Captain David Beckham converted an early penalty as England warmed up for next month's Euro 2004 qualifiers with a 3-1 home win over Croatia tonight.
Beckham converted from the spot in the 10th minute after defender Josip Simunic handled a high ball from the right aimed at Michael Owen.
Liverpool striker Owen headed England further ahead six minutes into the second half when he rose unchallenged to a finely-weighted Beckham cross from the right.
Midfielder Frank Lampard fired a fine third goal into the top left corner from a layoff by substitute James Beattie with 10 minutes to go.
Croatia, unlucky not to change ends level after a string of first half chances, pulled one back in the 77th minute.
Substitute Ivica Mornar blasted home from close range after the ball ran loose when substitute England keeper Paul Robinson parried an effort by Jasmin Agic.
England, second in Euro 2004 qualifying Group Seven two points behind Turkey, are away to Macedonia on September 6th and at home to Liechtenstein four days later.
Croatia, second in Group Eight one point behind Bulgaria, visit Andorra on September 6th and Belgium on September 10th.
Meanwhile, Scotland manager Berti Vogts praised his team after the credible, if unspectacular, 0-0 draw in Norway.
"In the first half, we had a lot of problems but we got back in the match," he said. "We got better and better and we kept the ball well in midfield.
"We will be together again in two weeks and this result is very hopeful for us."
The result will boost Scotland ahead of their crucial Euro 2004 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Germany next month.