Joe Cole came on as a second-half substitute to score the goal that saved England from an embarrassing defeat against the Czech Republic in a friendly international at Wembley.

The Chelsea midfielder equalised in the 92nd minute after a goal scramble and at the end of a match in which Fabio Capello's side were outpassed for long periods by a side missing several of its first-choice XI.

On the night that it emerged Brian Barwick has agreed by mutual consent with the Football Association to step down as its chief executive, England's performance will concern fans with the World Cup qualification campaign beginning next month.

Milan Baros, formerly of Liverpool and Aston Villa, put the visiting side ahead after 20 minutes with a shot on the turn that took a deflection off Ashley Cole before beating David James, the England goalkeeper.

Wes Brown, who started at right back, drew Fabio Capello's side level before the interval by heading in a David Beckham corner to score his first goal for the national team.

But, with a England midfield comprising of David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and Steven Gerrard struggling to retain possession, the Czech Republic regained the lead after the break via Marek Jankulovski's excellent free kick.

Defeat was looming for Capello's side in their final game before their qualifiers start against Andorra on September 6 until Cole, a replacement for Steven Gerrard, scored after the ball ricocheted off several players in the Czech penalty area.