The winger marks England recall with impressive display against Aston Villa

Aaron Lennon celebrated his return to the England squad with a sparkling performance and his first goal since January as Tottenham beat Aston Villa 2-0 at White Hart Lane.

The rapid winger was last week included in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against San Marino and Poland.

And he did his chances of starting no harm at all with an excellent all-round display which included the second goal, when he skipped into the area and drove a fine finish beyond Brad Guzan.

Earlier, Under-21 starlet Steven Caulker, who was also included in the senior England squad for the Italy friendly in August, had opened the scoring for Spurs in rather fortuitous fashion.

Jermain Defoe, who is also in Hodgson’s latest squad, looked like he had marked his 30th birthday with a goal. But the striker unselfishly pointed towards Caulker and the replays showed why.

His driven effort was actually flying wide before it struck Caulker on the heel and crashed into the net, to hand the young defender his first Premier League goal for Spurs.

England right-back Kyle Walker almost registered an assist late on, but when his inch-perfect cross found Clint Dempsey completely unmarked in the middle, the Texan somehow nodded his free header wide.

And Tom Cleverley also showed why he is in Hodgson's squad as he scored a superb goal for Manchester United in their impressive 3-0 win at Newcastle United.

The midfielder curled home a delicious effort from range for his side's third goal, refuting suggestions that it had actually been a cross.

And Wayne Rooney also put in a superb display in a midfield role as Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack, with Michael Carrick and Danny Welbeck also impressing.

England captain Steven Gerrard was unable to guide his Liverpool team to their first home league win of the season as the Reds drew 0-0 against Stoke City at Anfield.

Young Lion Raheem Sterling came closest to breaking the deadlock, but his late effort crashed off the post.

Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers also handed starts to England full-back Glen Johnson and Under-21 prospect Andre Wisdom.

At the other end of the pitch Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, who was handed his second international call-up earlier this week, did well to keep Liverpool at bay.

And Adam Lallana, who was included in the squad for the recent Ukraine game, also enjoyed an impressive afternoon.

The midfielder set up both of Southampton's goals against Fulham in an entertaining 2-2 draw at St Mary's.

Lallana's superb set pieces proved decisive as Jose Fonte twice headed home to earn a deserved point for the home side.

Tickets for England's next game, their 2014 World Cup Qualifier against San Marino at Wembley, are still on sale. Click here for details