Off and running: Ashley Young (right) heads home England's opening goal against Montenegro

Rooney was central to everything in a more withdrawn role behind Darren Bent, who was selected as England’s centre forward and able to bury certain memories of the past with the second goal in the 31st minute.

The first came from Ashley Young, one of England’s success stories since the last World Cup, and the fact that he was part of a  forward line that worked so effectively would have pleased Capello.

With Theo Walcott on the opposite flank, England boasted an attack blessed with pace as well as skill and invention.

Behind them, others deserved credit. Scott Parker and Gareth Barry controlled central midfield in Sofia last month and they did so again here, providing a first-class service to their colleagues in front and behind.

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