Heskey rises to the challenge

South Africa 1, England 2

Indeed, in the 17-year-old striker’s well-documented absence, both of his two leading rivals to partner Michael Owen made their mark in an otherwise largely uninspiring 2-1 win.

Heskey had suffered the indignity of not only being replaced by Rooney in the line-up last month against Turkey, but also staying on the bench as Darius Vassell came on instead as a substitute.

The Liverpool striker responded to being restored to the side with his fifth international goal, albeit in 33 appearances and after a largely anonymous performance up to that point.

He was immediately withdrawn with 27 minutes left, in which time Vassell produced another encouraging cameo role along with fellow substitute Frank Lampard.

Otherwise, apart from an assured display by Gareth Southgate, who gave England the lead after just 36 seconds, Eriksson saw many of his players merely going through the motions after a long season.

Indeed, while the overall purpose was to publicise South Africa’s bid to host the 2010 World Cup, the reality of this end-of-season friendly was to avoid any serious injuries.

David Beckham was taken to hospital for a precautionary x-ray on his arm, although his season was already over as a result of his suspension for the Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia.

That game is still almost three weeks away and Eriksson’ side, who conceded a 17th-minute equaliser when Benni McCarthy converted a penalty awarded for a hand-ball by Danny Mills, still have work to do in terms of creativity.

Rooney’s return to the squad may help, although at least England made the perfect start without him in Durban.

Lucas Radebe, making his 70th and final appearance for his country, conceded a free-kick for a foul on Michael Owen and Southgate rose unmarked to head home Beckham’s pin-point delivery.

England’s confident start continued as Beckham’s next free-kick was spilled by keeper Brian Baloyi.

Although the South African managed to block Owen’s follow-up, he was relieved when the striker then blazed his next effort over the bar from just eight yards out.

England were nevertheless far from in control.

There was no great surprise when South Africa duly equalised.

When the subdued Paul Scholes conceded possession, the home side pounced, with Charlton striker Shaun Bartlett making in-roads down the left wing before Mills handled his ensuing cross.

Referee Lim Kee Chong pointed immediately to the spot, from where McCarthy just managed to beat David James low down to his right.

Eriksson made just two changes at the interval, with Matthew Upson making his debut in place of Rio Ferdinand, while Paul Robinson replaced James in goal.

Jermaine Jenas soon followed, replacing Beckham, who was holding his strapped right arm in some pain, as did Lampard for the willing but uninspirational Trevor Sinclair.

With the game as a spectacle dying on its feet, Lampard finally provided some much-needed impetus to the England midfield.

Indeed, with 63 minutes gone, he delivered a stinging long-range shot which Baloyi predictably was unable to hold and Heskey was on hand to convert the rebound.

And while Gareth Barry also returned to the England fold, that was it for any meaningful action.

England’s real challenge against Slovakia lies ahead but at least the first step on their post-season path had been successfully negotiated.

SOUTH AFRICA: Baloyi, Mabizela, Aaron Mokoena, Radebe, Molefe, Tebeho Mokoena (Mendu 69), Macbeth Sibaya, Fredericks (Mazibuko 77), Buckley, McCarthy (Manyathela 67), Bartlett.

ENGLAND: James (Robinson 46), Mills, Phil Neville, Ferdinand (Upson 46), Southgate, Gerrard (Barry 82), Beckham (Jenas 51), Scholes (Cole 75), Sinclair (Lampard 58), Heskey (Vassell 65), Owen.