CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Frank Lampard and Darren Bent scored early in the first half, and England dominated cross-border rival Wales on Saturday in a 2-0 victory that put the Three Lions back into first place in their European Championship qualifying group.
Frank Lampard converted a penalty kick in the seventh minute for his first international goal since September 2009 after James Collins bundled into Ashley Young in the penalty area. Bent tapped in a cross from Young after Glen Johnson split the defense with a pass.
England (3-0-1) moved ahead of Montenegro (3-0-1) in Group G on goal difference. Aside from a few moments of carelessness at the start of the second half, the English were rarely troubled by Wales (0-4). The win should ease some of the pressure on coach Fabio Capello, who has faced intense criticism over his handling of the decision to restore John Terry as captain.
