Liechtenstein 0 England 2
Victory against Liechtenstein may have been all that mattered in Sven-Goran Eriksson's mind, but victory was all he got as England laboured to an unconvincing win against one of the minnows of world football.
Eriksson was once again indebted to his two world-class finishers, as Michael Owen, with his 20th England goal, struck with a header on 27 minutes and David Beckham converted a 20-yard free-kick just after half-time.
However, while the three points were entirely welcome after a faltering start to their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign against Slovakia and Macedonia, there was little style or substance to this display.
Not even a late cameo role as a substitute by teenager Wayne Rooney, who immediately lifted his side, managed to seriously pierce the gloom of England's faltering display.
Liechtenstein twice came close to pulling a goal back in the final few minutes and they were by no means flattered by the relatively close scoreline.
Eriksson may have called on his side to finally deliver but a far more convincing response must now come next Wednesday against World Cup semi-finalists Turkey, who will pose a much sterner examination of their ability.
After all, against a spirited Liechtenstein side, England were often too predictable going forward, lacked genuine width despite the best efforts of Wayne Bridge and were deprived of inspiration.
While half of the Liechtenstein line-up were part-timers, Mario Frick, a professional who played for Verona in Serie A last season, caused the most danger.
But while one effort by Frick was saved by David James, he was not alone as student Fabio d'Elia also headed narrowly wide with just two minutes gone and bank clerk Thomas Beck threatened with a volley on the break.
Kieron Dyer did made two powerful surges down the left flank but failed to deliver a telling final ball with his left foot the first time and was brought down on the second occasion.
Otherwise, it was left to Beckham to rally his side with his energetic example and it was no surprise that he started the move from which England took the lead as they finally managed to reach the byline.
Heskey, who was hardly endearing himself to the England fans, partly redeemed his wayward control with a pinpoint cross from which Owen, who had lost his marker, headed past goalkeeper Peter Jehle.
That came as some relief to England but while they then started to control the game as holes opened up in the Liechtenstein defence, it was still hardly a dominant display.
The restart nevertheless saw a revitalised England side, with Jehle denying Owen and Heskey before he was given no chance from Beckham's next dead-ball effort after Daniel Hasler was penalised for holding back Heskey.
However, while the goal confirmed England's victory, it also took the steam out of the visitors who, despite a volley by Scholes, were then guilty of relaxing on their lead.
Frick even embarked on a dashing solo run, beating two defenders before lashing a shot narrowly wide.
That was the cue for Eriksson to bring on Nicky Butt, who was quickly joined by Danny Murphy as Gerrard and Beckham - both just one booking away from a suspension against Turkey - made way.
A rather more inspiring substitution followed with 11 minutes left as 17-year-old Rooney came on for Heskey.
Suddenly, there was an air of anticipation among the England fans but the Everton forward could not control a powerful cross by Dyer that brushed off his forehead and then had another shot blocked.
Murphy also shot across the face of goal, but England were still indebted to Rio Ferdinand for clearing Beck's shot off the line in the final minute, while Martin Stocklasa struck the post.
That really would have been a major embarrassment for Eriksson's side. Instead, they had their blushes saved, but the real test is yet to come against Turkey and a major improvement is needed.