Euro 2012 Result: Earnshaw miss is let off for England

England are six points clear at the top of their Euro 2012 qualifying group following a 1-0 win over Wales but their Wembley jitters linger on.

Capello's men traded no higher than 1.564/7 and a point against Montengro next month will see them through. However, by the end of tonight's match they were hanging on against a bright Welsh side.

Following their excellent 3-0 away win in Bulgaria, England didn't begin the match as assertively as they might have been expected to. John Terry could have given them the lead with a header from a corner but Wales had a couple of chances with Ashley Wililams heading wide from Gareth Bale's free-kick and Terry stopping Jack Collison with a well-timed tackle as the Welshman tried to break into the box.

Ashley Young was the 7.87/1 first goalscorer when he put England ahead with a simple finish from Stewart Downing's neat cut-back after 36 minutes. In the second half, England created few chances, Gary Cahill blazed over on the turn when Wayne Hennessy flapped but Wales posed the greater goal threat.

Rob Earnshaw will have nightmares about the chance he missed. The striker found himself presented with an open goal when Darcy Blake headed the ball back to him with Joe Hart out of position. It was the type of chance that's easier to score than to miss and yet Earnshaw managed to scoop over.

It was a big let off for England - Wales deserved a draw - and, although Capello will say that six points from two games is good going, he knows they need to improve if they're to make any impact next summer.