But England were two up in 25 minutes and the game was won, their unbeaten run extended to 10 games.

There was still no slacking even then. Keeper Joe Hart, central defender and captain David Wheater and striker Gabriel Agbonlahor had to contribute but, presumably, Capello was satisfied because all three were substituted and kept fresh for the Americans a week on Wednesday.

This wasn’t one-sided, though, as Wales were on a five-game unbeaten sequence themselves and, going forward, gave England some problems. 

It was defending where the Welsh had difficulties, something that is going to have to be improved if they are going to qualify for the European Championship finals.

Adam Johnson, with his run width-wise in the penalty area, created the first, Neal Eardley fouling him and Huddlestone converting the spot-kick. 

Walcott made a similar run six minutes later and, with Wales nervous about tackling, fired home eventually.

Andrew Taylor hit his own bar with a sliced clearance, but that was as near as England came to panic as they, and Capello, saw the game out.

Wales U21 (4-4-2): Hennessey; Eardley (Ribeiro 62), Jacobson, Collison, Gunter; Nyatanga, Cotterill (Adams 77), D Edwards, Vokes (Church 63); Evans, MacDonald. 

England U21 (4-4-2): Hart (Lewis 46); Cranie, Taylor (O’Hara 57), Cattermole, Mancienne; Wheater (Dann 46), Walcott, Huddlestone, Agbonlahor (Blackstock 57); Leadbitter, Adam Johnson (Shawcross 86). Goals: Huddlestone pen 19, Walcott 25.

Referee: A Black (Northern Ireland).