England Ease Past Wales in Euro 2012 Qualifier

It had been a much  anticipated tie throughout the week, with the news that John Terry was to be reinstated as England captain on a permanent basis after losing the same role over a year ago due to personal affairs off the field and with Gareth Bale being ruled out of the game for Wales the build-up to the crucial fixture intensified thoroughly.

There was a fantastic atmosphere at the Millenium Stadium, the home support ambitious about Wales' hopes of getting their first points of this so far disappointing qualifying campaign. The passion was clearly existent before the game with the national anthems of both sides being sung. God Save The Queen was almost drowned out by the boos of the Welsh supporters attempting to intimidate the England team-failing to do so in hindsight. This passion continued into the start of the game with Craig Bellamy immediately getting involved in the action with a tussle with Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney. 

Frank Lampard converts early penalty.

It wasn't long before major chances came either, in the 7th minute James Collins was penalised for bringing down Ashley Young with what appeared minimum contact but both players fell to the ground and the Portuguese  referee awarding the penalty. Frank Lampard stepped up and comfortably sent Wayne Hennessey the wrong way and giving England an early lead. The visiting support took the lead role in amplifying the atmosphere inside the ground after the goal. It wasn't too long before they extended their lead. A wonderful long ball, which had just the right power and pace on it,  from Glen Johnson found Ashley Young down the right hand side after managing to get the right side of the Wales left back. England held on for the 2-0 lead t half time.

England players celebrate second goal from Bent.

The second half saw an improvement from Wales, England sat back slightly and didn't make fluent attacks as much.Welsh captain Aaron Ramsey held the ball in midfield and had a couple of efforts going wide of the goal. However that was all Wales had to offer in the second half, they played better and kept possession well but lacked enthusiasm and urgency. There seemed to be no passion in it despite the early signs of confidence before the game. Fabio Capello made some changes bringing on James Milner and Stewart Downing who had a decent attempt on goal narrowly missing towards the end almost making it 3-0.  In the end it finished 2-0 to England and they went up to second 3 points behind Montenegro with a game in hand on the group leaders.

Other Results: 

Group G_ Bulgaria 0-0 Switzerland