It's a truly meteoric rise, Cole being in his first full season in Arsenal's first team. Chris Powell, who started poorly against Finland but improved later, and who played a blinder against Spain, can feel unlucky not to even get on the bench tonight. But Eriksson, who showed more guts than any England boss for a while in picking Powell, continued in the same vein by putting his faith in the Arsenal youngster.

Ashley done alright. He was skinned down the flank a couple of times, but made some telling positive contributions in defence too. He was effective going forward too, and his best moment was probably when he instantly controlled a ball dropping from high near the half way line, having been hoofed out of the Albanian penalty area. He brought it forward and played a one-two with Owen but was brought down by Lala (earning a booking) as he continued his run.

England found it hard for much of the game. Owen scored the opener halfway through the second half and Scholes made it 2 with 5 minutes to go. Albania pulled one back in injury time, Seaman beaten from a narrow angle. There was still time for them to get the ball in the net again, but offside was given against the goalscorer (probably wrongly as Gary Neville, playing one of his best matches for England, looked to be playing him on). And then Andy Cole got his first England goal making it safe (and flatteri ng) for England again.

Significant events with Saturday in mind: injuries to Cole (our one) and Campbell. We'll let you know as soon as we hear anything about their status. (see here for updates)