In the first period Wales had attacked England constantly in this friendly at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground and could count themselves unfortunate to be two behind at the break to a Tom Huddlestone penalty and a deflected Theo Walcott drive.

But after the break England comfortably completed 10 unbeaten games this season under Stuart Pearce with their Premier League class and technique shining through.

Two sides on the brink of qualification for the UEFA Championship play-offs had plenty to prove in front of their national bosses. John Toshack and Fabio Capello were interested observers from the directors' box.

Wales started with confidence and vigour and Ched Evans tested his Manchester City club-mate Joe Hart in the first minute. Then Hart was fortunate not to concede a goal six minutes later.

Evans' cross was met by Sam Vokes, whose first shot was blocked by Hart, with the ball rebounding back to the Bournemouth striker who saw his next effort cannon inches wide.

But England punished Wales for some poor defending in the 19th minute. Adam Johnson moved in from the left, and across the face of the box with limited opposition until he was tripped by Neil Eardley. Huddlestone drilled home the spot-kick.

The next time England attacked, they scored again after 26 minutes. There was similarities with the first, with Walcott cutting in from the left and surging across the face of the box before turning to see a shot take a wicked deflection to leave Wayne Hennessey stranded.

Still Wales were moving forward. Andrew Taylor sliced a Shaun MacDonald cross onto his own bar, with Hart beaten. Vokes saw a header and shot go wide and Lewin Nyatanga headed over, but England in the end ran out comfortable winners.