Robert Green Has some way to go before he can claim to be England’s No 1 with any conviction, but is looking more like an international goalkeeper with every appearance. Intelligence, a calm temperament and his age are his greatest assets and he looks certain to give David James a good run for his money. 6

Glen Johnson Gave away the ball in the third minute, but that was just about the only error of the night and he was called upon to make an important clearing header at the start of the second half. Capello’s show of faith has bolstered the Liverpool defender’s confidence and his partnership with Aaron Lennon on the right is promising. 7

John Terry Succeeded in erasing the memories of his worst night in football in what must rank as one of the easiest matches of his England career. Repelled Croatia’s limited threat with gusto, and can look forward to the great honour of leading his country at the World Cup finals. 7

Matthew Upson Looked uncomfortable against Slovenia on Saturday, so will have appreciated a quiet night. Did well to deny Ivica Olic the space to shoot in Croatia’s only real attack of the first half, but Fabio Capello will still be praying that both Terry and Rio Ferdinand are fit next summer. 6

Ashley Cole Had so little to do defensively in the first half that his most significant contribution was a rampaging forward run resulting in a blocked shot. Was slightly busier after the break and a mistake allowed Mario Mandzukic to put in a dangerous cross, but he remains a class act. 7

Aaron Lennon In the presence of Usain Bolt, he gave a classic demonstration of the potency of pace. Won the penalty with a darting run into the box and provided the cross for Gerrard’s first goal in a magnificent performance that should cement his place in the side. 9

Frank Lampard Has been converted to a deeper position by Fabio Capello, but retains the knack of scoring goals. Took his tally to five in as many games, the first from a penalty and the second a well-placed header. 9

Gareth Barry The Manchester City midfield player produced his most impressive England performance for some time, covering acres of ground and, as well as controlling possession, he came close to scoring his third international goal with a left-foot drive that was well saved by Vedran Runje. 8

Steven Gerrard Made amends for his limp effort as captain two years ago with a magnificent performance. Denied a penalty in the second minute after a powerful run into the box, but came back for more. Linked brilliantly with Rooney and scored the second goal from a move that he initiated, before adding another. 9

Emile Heskey Barely noticeable as England ran amok with their most fluent performance of the Capello era, but the Italian will have appreciated the diligent work that created space for his colleagues. Missed two fine chances to make it 3-0 before half-time, but is not in the side for his goals. 7

Wayne Rooney Reverted to the rampaging teenager who broke on to the world stage with a magnificent performance against Croatia in Euro 2004, wreaking havoc in the channels either alongside Heskey. Possesses greater subtlety these days, however, shown by the through-ball to Lennon from which the Tottenham winger should have scored. Runje gifted him the goal he deserved. 8

Substitutes

Jermain Defoe (for Heskey, 60min) Missed a good chance when he was unable to control a cross from Rooney late on. But he is well established in the squad and it would be a big surprise if he was unable to go to South Africa. 6

James Milner (for Gerrard, 81), David Beckham (for Lennon, 81).

Not used Ben Foster, Wes Brown, Wayne Bridge, Peter Crouch. Booked Terry.

Croatia (4-4-2): Vedran Runje 6 — Darijo Srna 5, Ivica Krizanac 5, Josip Simunic 4, Nikola Pokrivac 4 (sub: Ivan Rakitic, 46 6) — Mario Mandzukic 6, Ognjen Vukojevic 5, Niko Kranjcar 5, Danijel Pranjic 6 — Eduardo da Silva 5 (sub: Ivan Klasnic, 74), Ivica Olic 5 (sub: Mladen Petric, 46 5).

Substitutes not used Danijel Subasic, Dino Drpic, Hrvoje Cale, Jerko Leko.

Booked Simunic.

Referee A Undiano Mallenco (Spain).