England victory that was the better team had no context in which to impress. Platinum Star alone could unearth excitement in the occasion, England 3-0 win over the Platinum Stars in their final warm-up match before the World Cup.It was little surprise to see, England toiled and trundled until superior fitness brought them two goals in the latter part of the friendly.
All the same, Fabio Capello will be relieved to see his squad come through unscathed after Rio Ferdinand's injury. The prospects for England depend on Capello's knack of getting a lavish return on restricted means. In view the unsatisfactory work of Capello and Crouch, there is in theory a possibility of Rooney being paired with Defoe. The Manchester United attacker is well equipped to operate as a target man, but Capello has never shown much enthusiasm for a system that could restrict him. It is entirely feasible that the manager's thinking is unaltered since the qualifiers, when Heskey opened up space for Rooney.
Jermain Defoe claimed a three minutes opener at the Moruleng Stadium near Rustenburg, although England then had a penalty scare as Bradley Grobler blazed over from the spot. But second-half goals by Joe Cole and Wayne Rooney made sure England remained in winning ways heading into Saturday's World Cup opener against the USA.
Capello used 21 players, making 10 changes at half-time with only Joe Cole playing the full game and the out of contract Chelsea man looks to have secured a starting role on the left of midfield against the USA.
The Liverpool player had a more advanced role as Capello tried to clarify what is expected of a partnership that has floundered in the past. All the same, it was apparent even in a lightweight game that England's balance and security will continue to be undermined until Barry'sankle injury clears. He will not be risked against the United States.
And Rooney looked in fine form after coming on at half-time, firing in a well taken volley to score his first goal and satisfy.