England beats Mexico in Friendly Match

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England continued their warm-up for the World Cup finals with a 3-1 friendly victory over fellow-finalists Mexico at Wembley Stadium on Monday.  However, Fabio Capello’s side did not have things their own way against the Central American nation, who had plenty of chances to score in an entertaining match. Arsenal striker Carlos Vela twice had gilt-edged opportunities to score for the Mexicans in an open first half, but on both occasions failed to get his shot past goalkeeper Robert Green. And Carlos Salcido went desperately close to beating Green when his curling effort struck the outside of the post. England took the lead in the 17th minute minute when defender Ledley King—playing in his first match under Capello and first England appearance for three years—marked his return with a close-range header after a corner had been headed across goal by Tottenham teammate Peter Crouch.  And England doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Wayne Rooney’s unmarked header was saved by goalkeeper Oscar Perez, only for Crouch to bundle in the rebound—although it looked like it came off the striker’s arm. Mexico pulled a deserved goal back on the stroke of half-time when Guillermo Franco netted from close-range after Leighton Baines had stopped a goalbound effort on the line But Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson sealed the win early in the second-half with a superb cross field run and curling shot.

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