06 September,2009 08:08 AM IST | | AFP
England warmed up for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Croatia with a 2-1 victory over Slovenia in Saturday's friendly at Wembley.
Frank Lampard put England ahead with a first half penalty, awarded after a tumble by Wayne Rooney that should extend the current debate over diving, before Jermain Defoe came off the bench to maintain his impressive scoring streak.
Zlatan Ljubijankic got one back for Slovenia late on but this was the perfect preparation for Wednesday's showdown against Croatia. A win at Wembley would seal qualification for the World Cup.