England limped to an unconvincing and, at times, pretty awful 3-0 victory in their practice match against local South African league side Platinum Stars.

Fabio Capello claimed the second half against Japan on his side's last outing nine days ago represented a major step forward. This was an even bigger stride backwards.

Jermain Defoe gave England an interval lead before Joe Cole and Wayne Rooney extended it after the break. But Capello can only hope the standard of opposition - limited, yet hugely spirited - failed to bring the best out of his team because if that is not the case, England's stay in South Africa is destined to be a brief one.