Had it not been for a superbly taken first-half goal by Ashley Young and two missed opportunities for the Welsh, this could have been a most uncomfortable night for England.

A first victory in a year at Wembley was met with muted applause at the final whistle, the supporters knowing full well that Fabio Capello's side are fortunate to be within touching distance of next summer's European Championship.

Young money: The Manchester United winger celebrates after scoring shortly before the interval

Wales had another Paul Bodin moment here on Tuesday night. Not something that cost them a place at the World Cup, admittedly, but a miss that will be talked about for years. A miss, after 76 minutes, that was as painful for the Welsh as it was a relief to England.

It will haunt Robert Earnshaw, the Cardiff City striker who somehow drove his close-range effort over the bar when it seemed certain he would punish England for their mediocrity after Darcy Blake had knocked Aaron Ramsey's free-kick into his path.

Add to that the fact Gary Speed deployed Gareth Bale on the right flank. The Wales manager said he was 'proud' of his side afterwards and rightly so. They gave an excellent account of themselves, with Aaron Ramsey probably the best player on the pitch; another great Welsh No 10 in the making perhaps.

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