England 2-1 Hungary

Fans voiced their displeasure during the first half of seeing England underachieve time and again (Guardian)

Booing. Heckling. Cheering. Applauding. These were the actions expressed by English fans in a difficult night for England during their unconvincing 2-1 victory over old European force Hungary.

Two months after World Cup humiliation at the hands of Germany, England's stars returned to their Wembley looking to redeem themselves. Capello made few changes in personnel, possibly not as radical as some had predicted as he introduced wingers Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, and gave goalkeeper Joe Hart his first start for the Three Lions.

It was a lively display, something we hardly ever saw during the summer as the shackles of the more youthful players, were removed. Johnson looked very spritely, and in twine with his work-rate, the Man City wideman moved from his position on the left touchline to provide Wayne Rooney support. He had a great chance midway through the first half but blazed over from Walcott's cutback. Walcott also looked energised and threatening, although his final ball often did let him down.

However, the half did seem adnormal. England had the 'kids' performing, and the senior stars didn't know the kind of crowd reaction to expect. Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole were all booed at some point in the game for their dismal displays in South Africa, until Gerrard sprung to life similar to his typical heroic performances for his club Liverpool.

Hungary, regarded as one of the best sides in the world in the 1950s inspired by serial goalscorer Ferenc Puskas, controversially went in front 17 minutes after half-time when Phil Jagielka guided a cross into his own net. However, replays showed Michael Dawson, whose slip allowed Hungary to attack, cleared the ball before it had crossed the line. This led to a crescendo of boos from England supporters, who sensed another humiliating result dawn upon them.

Then stepped up England captain Gerrard, who scored two stunning goals to seal victory. First, the midfielder thunderously arrowed a 20-yard shot into the top corner, before his delicious footwork in the penalty box deceived three Hungarians to toe-poke beyond visiting keeper Gabor Kiraly's reach. Gerrard, and England by the end, received wonderful applause from the 70,000 crowd.

18-year old Jack Wilshere had a cameo role, while Bobby Zamora, Ashley Young, Kieran Gibbs each had individual performances they can be relatively pleased with. By all means it was not England's finest performance, nor that we really expected it to be, but maybe a game in which Capello can look to build on.