Chelsea midfielder Lampard was chosen ahead of Nicky Butt at the City of Manchester Stadium, a decision that dominated press headlines ahead of the game.

He was asked to form the base of Sven’s famous diamond, with David Beckham to the right, Steven Gerrard to the left and Paul Scholes at the tip.

The good news for England’s Head Coach is that Lampard was impressive.

In a measured and disciplined display he broke up play, intercepted cleverly, showed a good range of passing and broke forward at the right time.

He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, as you would expect of a man who scored 16 goals last season, and played a part in England’s opening goal.

There were also one or two nervy defensive moments, not least when Japan equalised through an unmarked Shinji Ono.

Would a more defensive-minded Nicky Butt have provided better cover for the Three Lions defence -and prevented an alarming number of shots on goal?

Well that’s tough to answer. And that, of course, is why being England Head Coach is such a difficult job!

There was plenty to enjoy in England’s performance, despite the defensive concerns. Their passing, especially in the opening half hour, was crisp and inventive, their movement quick and impressive.

Owen’s goal, clinically taken, left no-one in any doubt that he is in top form just at the right time. And England’s substitutes were all lively and enthusiastic, proving an enviable strength in depth.

There seems to be a remarkable consensus about this England team across the country.

Most fans seem to agree on eight or even nine of the names who should represent the Three Lions in Portugal when England play France on 13 June.

But the questions they wanted answered at the City of Manchester Stadium were: Who should partner Owen? Should Lampard play in midfield? Who should be asked to play on the left? Do we want a diamond or 4-4-2?

After watching England against Japan, many of those questions will still be asked, but we are at least a little nearer to getting answers.

Wayne Rooney’s partnership with Owen continues to look promising, and he did enough to suggest he will hold onto his place when England head for the sun.

The diamond, too, looks here to stay – but there are still plenty of options for changing personnel and positions around before that big game on 13 June.

Whether Sven wants to make changes after this mixed performance is a different matter. This game certainly gave him plenty to think about – and all eyes will now be on his team selection against Iceland on Saturday.