England travelled to South Africa to help out with their hosts World Cup bid got to meet Nelson Mandela and won a friendly game - not a bad few days. A pretty low key game in England but a very atmospheric crowd turned up to see their heroes take on Sven Goran Erikssons team. South Africa play friendly games the way England used to play them i.e. seriously. England had great start with defender Gareth Southgate heading in a David Beckham cross after only 36 seconds, South Africa pulled level after Danny Mills was harshly penalised for handling the ball in the penalty area.

Benny McCarthy slotted home the 18th minute penalty to draw level. England won the game in the 64th minute Emile Heskey pouncing on a mistake from South African keeper Baloyi who fumbled a long range Frank Lampard effort.

Michael Owen said: "It was important for the spirit of team - we may have to come here and play in the World Cup at some stage so it's important experience.

"I thought we played well considering we've come over here and not had a great preparation - considering what has gone before I thought it was a good performance.

"We don't get together that much and when we do we have got to make the most of it."

Gareth Southgate, who opened the scoring after 36 seconds, added on Sky Sports: "I'm pleased we got off to a good start - I think it settled everyone down a bit.

"It was a good performance - and that's important for the next couple of weeks."

Sven Goran Eriksson added: "I think now and then you have to go outside Europe to play friendly games and it was a good occasion to do it. The qualification game is June 11 so it was a good time. First half we weren't very aggressive. We could have defended in a different way but the second half was much, much better and those players coming on did very well.

"A victory is always a victory even if it is only a friendly game.I think we performed rather well. It's good, it's very good. I'm glad I came - it's something we have to do now and then, leave Europe.