England were able to ...

England were able to convert a terrible first half performance into a win when teenage striker Michael Owen survived an horrific clash with Moroccan goalkeeper Driss Benzekri to stay on the pitch and produce another stellar finish in his first full season in the professional ranks.

Owen broke the record for the youngest England goalscorer on the hour when a Steve McManaman pass sent the 18 year old clear of the defence to slide the ball under the advancing Benzekri for the only moment of real quality in a match of continual mistakes.

Both sides gave the ball away constantly but could do little with possession when they actually had it.

Coach Glenn Hoddle sprang a surprise with the inclusion of midfielder Paul Ince after an injury scare for the player in training and his defensive qualities were again the outstanding impression of a tepid show from England. They rarely threatened and gifted possession to Morocco who themselves were unable to create anything other than speculative long shots. The finishing of Owen was the difference between the sides but he is still far from a certainty for the side that will start against Tunisia in Marseilles on June 15th.

Morocco lacked anything like the attcking ability that would convert their minimal pressure into goals and midfield hope Paul Gascoigne contributed little as he continues the struggle to be fit again.