How did he miss? Earnshaw blew an easy opportunity to draw his side level at Wembley

But rather than unleash Bale against the inexperienced Chris Smalling, he asked him to face the finest defensive left back in the world in Ashley Cole. Bale still had his moments and he was particularly unlucky to be hauled back for offside when he was on, but he might have had more joy on the opposite flank.

Not that England took advantage. They were poor, marking Capello's last competitive game at Wembley with a performance that was all too familiar. Yes, they won. And, yes, there were positives. The goal, scored after 35 minutes, further illustrated some of the progress Capello has made recently because the selection of Young and Stewart Downing in a remodelled England attack represents a step forward.

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