While the three nil scoreline might flatter England, the point remains that this is their most positive performance for some time. Michael Owen took his chances perfectly and the wing play from Shaun Wright Phillips and Joe Cole was a joy to watch.

While Cole still looks a bit rusty from his long injury and lack of first team football at Chelsea, his team mate Wright Phillips is in tremendous form. In his time at Stamford Bridge he has worked endlessly on his fitness levels and training and the result is a stronger more mature team player. He may have found his way into the Chelsea team at Joe Cole’s expense, but has grabbed his opportunity and made himself a regular first team choice.

Meanwhile Cole knows that there is only one way back and is obviously ready to fight to regain his place at Chelsea. Its good to see that players of this quality have the ability to up their game and add further qualities to their play.

There is no doubt that Cole will be back for his club team, he has shown in previous seasons that he is willing to work at his game and this England game will have done his chances no harm at all. His determination to cover in defence earned him a booking last night, but it is just that determination that made him one of Mourinho’s top players.