Austria 0-2 England

Carlton Cole got England's qualification campaign for the European Under-21 Championships off to the best possible start and continued his hot goalscoring form in the process.

Cole out on loan to Aston Villa from Chelsea continues to look a hot prospect for his country. The 20-year-old, who netted two goals in the 3-1 win against Ukraine last month to open his account for Peter Taylor's side, proved the difference in Krems.

The Austrian Under-21 side struggled to cope with his pace and aggression from the start and it was no surprise when he put the visitors in front on 32 minutes.

It was Cole's energy that won the free kick which led to the goal, but it took some real magic to turn it into a chance.

Gary O'Neil pumped a hopeful delivery into the penalty area, and Cole was the first to react  trapping the ball on his chest before firing in a tremendous right-footed shot into the net.

With a bit of luck England and Cole could have had a second just before the break after a lovely move cut the Austrians apart once again.

Stewart Downing swung in a great cross to the back post which Jonathan Stead hit toward Cole and the goal, but Mario Sonnleitner got back in time to clear off the line.

Cole warned the home side of his intentions as early as the second minute when he found plenty of space in the area only to mishit his shot wide of the post.

Scott Carson was enjoying a relaxing time in front of goal although Austria came close after Calum Davenport made a mistake at the back, but Stefan Kulovits failed to capitalise.

England continued to be on top after the break and almost extended their advantage again within a few minutes of the restart.

Downing again was the provider, finding Davenport in the area and his flick was met by Anton Ferdinand before Ramazan Ozlan did brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar.

The domination of England continued and Cole saw an effort cleared off the line for a second time when Thomas Lechner came to the home side's rescue in spectacular fashion.

Darren Bent joined in, coming from the bench to replace Stead after he had headed just over, and he was quick to make his mark as well. This time it was the crossbar which denied England from wrapping up the three points.

The Austrians just couldn't compete against their more experienced opponents and had to resort to some desperate defending.

But even that was not enough as a minute from the end Bent finished superbly after Nigel Reo-Coker broke clear and the scoreline took a fairer look.

Austria: Oztan, Lechner, Sonnleitner, Berger, Baldauf (Konrad, 68), Schiemer, Prager, Kulovits (Schicker, 57), Saumel (Obster, 68); Salmutter; Lasnik.
Subs not used: Almer, Osoinik, Mimm, Kienast.

England: Scott Carson, Nicky Hunt, Leighton Baines, Anton Ferdinand, Calum Davenport, Nigel Reo-Coker, Jermaine Pennant (Hoyte, 90), Gary O'Neil (c), Carlton Cole, Jonathan Stead (Darren Bent, 66), Stewart Downing (Milner, 74).
Subs not used: Lonerghan, Whittingham, Kilgallon, Ashton.

Goals: Carlton Cole 32, Darren Bent 89

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)