Lacklustre England progress thanks to Cole goal

Wales 0 England 1

Uninspiring England moved closer to the World Cup finals with Joe Cole’s second-half goal proving sufficient to dispose of battling Wales in the Millennium Stadium.

The Chelsea midfielder’s shot took a deflection off Wales defender Danny Gabbidon to settle the issue in the 54th minute.

England enjoyed most of the possession, with David Beckham impressing in his new role in a 4-5-1 system – but they were far from convincing in a game of few clear-cut opportunities at either end.

Rooney was initially switched onto the right flank after the arrival of Defoe but, when Joe Cole made way for Owen Hargreaves, the Manchester United striker then moved over to the left wing.

It was all rather baffling and Rooney then went back onto the right after Kieran Richardson took over from Gerrard for the final six minutes.

Wales tried desperately to snatch a point with Koumas sending a free-kick just over the bar and Ferdinand making an important tackle on Giggs inside the six-yard box.