England 4-0 Northern Ireland: The visitors close England down early on making it difficult for the players to create chances
England begin to dominate the possession - but Michael Owen's low shot is well saved by Taylor after 17 minutes
Wayne Rooney hits the post with a header - and England go close several more times but the first half ends goalless
England make the perfect start to the second half as Joe Cole cuts inside to bury a right-foot shot after just 61 seconds
Michael Owen gives England a 2-0 cushion minutes later with an easy finish after a powerful run from Frank Lampard
Wayne Rooney puts in another strong display and does well on the right before forcing an own goal from Chris Baird
The misery's complete for Northern Ireland as Frank Lampard's heavily deflected shot ends the scoring after 61 minutes
England comfortably see out the game as Gerrard, Rooney and Beckham are replaced to prepare for the clash with Azerbaijan
Joe Cole is named man-of-the-match for his performance on the left - as England fans leave Old Trafford in high spirits
|