England controlled the game from start to finish as goals from Joe Cole, Michael Owen, Frank Lampard and a Chris Baird own goal kept the Three Lions top of World Cup Qualifying, European Group 6.

Eriksson was delighted with his team's discipline as they stuck to their game plan - despite failing to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes.

The England boss was taking charge for the 50th time and after the victory he said: "At half time I just told the players to keep up the tempo and to be aggressive to them when we lose the ball so that we don't let them back into the game.

"And the boys did that, we played well in the first half even though we didn't score. We had a lot of possibilities but when we did score in the second half life became very difficult for Northern Ireland.

"I think we are becoming better and better at keeping the ball and keeping our positions. I was pleased with that today, we had total control for the whole 90 minutes.

"Sometimes when you don't score in the first half you lose positions and try to play football for yourself but we put in a very professional performance."

England's goals came in a 16 minute spell at the start of the second half and Joe Cole was one of England's brightest stars in their convincing win as he topped off a superb performance with the opening goal of the afternoon.

Cole was playing on the left side of midfield, a role which Eriksson has struggled to fill since taking charge of the Three Lions.

But after the Chelsea midfielder produced the goods at Old Trafford, Eriksson is now hoping Cole can produce similar form on a regular basis.

When asked if Cole could finally solve England's left-sided problem the England boss insisted: "If he keeps on playing like that he has solved a problem without any doubt.

"He was excellent today and I don't think he ever lost the ball in a stupid way which he did in the past.

"His talent is incredible. He beats people, he scores goals, and he also defended very well for us today as well."