England get four past N. Ireland

England 4 Northern Ireland 0

England scored three goals in seven minutes at the start of the second half to break Northern Ireland's brave resistance in a World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford.

A string of fine saves by Ireland ‘keeper Maik Taylor kept England at bay in the opening 45 minutes but Joe Cole broke the deadlock within 60 seconds of the restart.

England quickly added to the score through Michael Owen and a Chris Baird own goal before a deflected effort from Frank Lampard put the icing on the cake.