England see off Mexico challenge

England 3-1 Mexico
Glen Johnson scored the pick of England's goals as they defeated fellow FIFA World Cup finalists Mexico 3-1 at Wembley in their penultimate friendly before the finals in South Africa.

The Liverpool FC right-back finished superbly with a left-footed curler two minutes after the restart to settle home nerves after England had been fortunate to go in 2-1 in front at half-time. Ledley King, with his first international goal in six years, and Peter Crouch had seemingly put England in control before Mexico deservedly struck through Guillermo Franco in first-half added-time.

King, starting his first international in three years, headed Fabio Capello's side ahead from their first attack of note in the 17th minute. Gerrard swung in a corner from the left to the far post where Crouch was on hand to nod it back to his club-mate, who finished unopposed. The striker helped himself to the second on 34, nudging the ball in with his body from on the goal line with goalkeeper Óscar Pérez grounded after tipping Wayne Rooney's header on to the bar.

The second came either side of two terrific saves from Robert Green to deny Carlos Vela, although Mexico found their reward when Franco was on hand to turn the ball in from close range. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed by Johnson, though, as he collected the ball out wide, accelerated unopposed across the Mexico back line and finished delightfully. England, who failed to capitalise further on their second-half dominance, complete their preparations with a friendly against Japan in Graz, Austria on Sunday 30 May.