England over Wales

England coast for an easygoing victory over Wales.

Wales was at home in their Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales earlier today. They would face an England squad who saw some controversy arise earlier this past week.

Welsh international Gareth Bale
at training camp prior to their
matchup against England

Wales would be without star Gareth Bale, who is currently sidelined nursing an old injury. The injury isn’t reported as being a serious one, but rather one due to fatigue. He may only need about ten days of rest and should be back in the lineup for Tottenham.

Gary Speed, Wales’s head coach, insists he didn’t pick the injury up while training with national team. "He did the warm up on Tuesday, we took him off and he went for a scan on Wednesday and he had an injury there." – Speed added about Bales’ injury

The Three Lions had absolutely no trouble with the Welsh, despite being away from home.

Frank Lampard hits home England's first
goal from the penalty spot

England saw two goals come from Aston Villa’s Darren Bent, and Chelsea’s Frank Lampard. Lampard notched a penalty kick home in the seventh minute of the game. Darren Bent doubled England’s tally as he slotted home the game’s final goal in the fourteenth minute.

If there were one undesirable thing England received from the game, it would be Wayne Rooney’s yellow card. The yellow card ensures England’s bully will miss the next Euro 2012 qualifying match in Switzerland.

With the win England take top position in their Euro 2012 qualifying group, moving ahead of Montenegro.

Welsh captain Aaron Ramsey and English
captain John Terry shake hands prior to
the match

John Terry saw his return as captain go remarkably smooth. It was his first game as captain of the England national squad in seventeen months.

The Welsh capped one of their youngest captains in their history. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey captained the squad as he returned from a broken leg injury.

The Welsh fans were urged to support their team and young captain as they filled the stadium Saturday.

"I hope the fans stick with the side,'' he said. "We didn't give them too much to shout about today. The way things went in the first five minutes, it was very difficult against a top-quality team. But we are not always going to play England. Hopefully the fans can see that and when they come back next time they can shout us on again.'' – Welsh Manager Gary Speed

English manager, Fabio Cappelo has been under extreme pressure from English fans since their poor showing in South Africa. Cappelo defended his choices with an extremely well showing today.

Many were surprised by his changes in the line-up and slight changes in formation. England lined up in a 4-3-3, which came as a shock to some English fans. Although, Cappelo claims he has always lined up in a 4-3-3 and will almost always start in that formation.

England will now look forward to their match in Switzerland as they hope to follow up with another great performance and really take charge of their qualifying group.

Also don't forget USA takes on Argentina tonight at 6pm on ESPN 2!

England had little to worry about with Bale on the sideline. Check out his highlight tape from a UEFA Champions League Matchup: