England 4 Slovakia 0:WAYNE ROONEY'S 50th cap on Wednesday is to be accompanied by the responsibility that comes with being the sole, senior attacker fit to face Ukraine in the World Cup qualifier, as Emile Heskey has withdrawn because of a hamstring injury and, with the exception of Rooney, no other striker has Fabio Capello's unqualified trust.

While Peter Crouch has collected eight caps under the Italian, all have come as a substitute. Darren Bent has been added to the party but Capello’s only use of him to date was as a replacement for Jermain Defoe in the friendly with Germany.

It is as well that the manager favours a lone-striker system because he scarcely has the means now for any other formation.

Capello will be keen to ensure that Rooney continues to enjoy the liberty that he is exploiting to such effect. He has now scored seven goals in his last four England appearances. Rooney’s late goals against Slovakia were smartly taken, the first headed home after David Beckham had crossed so expertly and the second coming from a Frank Lampard pass.

Capello must have appreciated the rapport between Rooney and Steven Gerrard, prior to the Liverpool captain’s replacement at half-time.

They combined well on the left before Heskey bundled in a finishfrom a cross that had come to him awkwardly for the opener.

The debate over which should play towards the left of the trio of attacking midfielders was redundant when they had the confidence to interchange. The two of them showed that accomplished players can reach an understanding.

Capello’s approval must still have had its limits though. Sloppiness sneaked in and, for instance, the error of Ashley Cole’s ill-advised pass was compounded when Matthew Upson let the ball run across him instead of clearing immediately. Robert Vittek capitalised by smacking a shot that David James palmed over the bar.

England had good moments, but only crushed the opposition belatedly. Slovakia, ultimately, were exhausted and not even a half-dozen substitutions could restore resilience.

Lampard broke through for the third goal eight minutes from close.

The match served its purpose and Aaron Lennon, back in the side after two years, played as if he had never been away. In other words he is still fast and still erratic with his crossing, despite hints of progress for Tottenham.

England are far from perfect, but they have a stability that should only be compromised slightly by the injuries.

Scorers: Heskey 7, Rooney 70, 90, Lampard 82.