This was a day when England's big names stamped their authority on the World Cup qualifiers and proved their class, one by one.

It wasn't the cauldron of excitement and drama that many had predicted at Old Trafford, and Wales in truth failed to provide the kind of major test that was expected.

But England dominated from start to finish and took another giant step towards Germany in 2006.

What will please Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson more than anything, too, is the way his biggest stars took the bull by the horns and relished the occasion.

On a day for comeback kings, Rio Ferdinand made a hugely impressive return to international football after eight months out, while Wayne Rooney returned from injury and looked right at home, fit-again Sol Campbell looked unbeatable in defence - and under-fire Michael Owen was back to his dangerous best.

And that's even before we begin to talk about Captain Marvel David Beckham - whose all-round display and stunning 25-yard goal proved he is back to his very best.

For those expecting a tempestuous, Premiership-style encounter at Old Trafford, it just didn't happen. Partly because England were so in command, and partly because Wales just couldn't find their rhythm.

It was the ever-impressive Frank Lampard, aided by a Michael Owen deflection, who put England ahead after only four minutes and then Beckham who set them on their way to three very important points.

But it was the return of Ferdinand that probably had the biggest influence on the game, ensuring England remained calm and in control from start to finish.

The Manchester United defender may have been out suspended for eight months, but you would never guess it from this performance.

He was calmness personified at the heart of England's back four, looking majestic on the ball and unruffled and classically in control in defence.

At times the former West Ham man would bring the ball out himself and feed England's ever-hungry attackers, but whether in his own half or the opposition's there was no doubting his class.

Sven-Goran Eriksson hailed Rio's partnership with Sol Campbell as the best of the World Cup finals in 2002, and the duo looked right back on track at Old Trafford, barely giving the Welsh a sniff all afternoon.

Their performance certainly justified Eriksson's tough decision to drop John Terry and Ledley King, who had done such a sterling job in recent internationals.

He was also right to recall Rooney so soon after recovering from a broken foot, of course, and the youngster was once again impressive in an England shirt.

It wasn't quite the Herculean display so loved by both fans and pundits at Euro 2004, but his performance in the 'hole' behind Owen and Defoe gave plenty of hope for the future.

The Manchester United striker often found himself in acres of space between the Welsh defence and midfield, and rarely wasted an opportunity to attack it.

He came mighty close to scoring after 11 minutes when he powered towards goal and unleashed an effort from 20 yards that was just deflected onto a post and away for a corner by keeper Paul Jones.

He also had several shots blocked, including one in the second half where perhaps he really should have cut the ball back for a teammate to score.

But Rooney's link-up play was good and he certainly gave the Welsh problems - just as both Defoe and Owen did in spurts.

Owen, in particular, looked in determined mood after suffering criticism in Spain - and he made his intentions clear very early on.

He had a shot blocked as early as the second minute - and came close to scoring a goal of the season contender after the break when he seemed to beat almost half the Welsh team before being denied by frantic tackles inside the box.

His all-round performance deserved a goal, and he came mighty close at the end when his header from an Alan Smith cross was superbly saved.

Who knows, he may well end up being credited with today's opening goal, after clearly getting a heel to Lampard's shot.

But whatever the verdict from the dubious goals panel, Owen certainly proved a point at Old Trafford - and so did every one of Sven's superstars.