Spot of bother: Ashley Cole was one of three players to miss a penalty in a shootout

Having informed some senior internationals they would not be required for this friendly, Pearce’s call-up of defender Joleon Lescott — for the injured Johnson — added to the sense of farce.

At one end of the pitch Pearce took the defenders, working with two back fours. The first had Micah Richards to the right of Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling with Leighton Baines on the left flank. The second saw Smalling on the right, Richards to the right of Phil Jones in the middle and Ashley Cole to the left.

At the other end of the pitch the forwards and midfielders worked under the guidance of Steve Wigley before Pearce organised an eight-a-side game. In orange bibs Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott took up their positions either side of Danny Welbeck in what would be an exciting front three but one that would be just as quick if Ashley Young featured.

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