Goals by Frank Lampard and David Beckham helped England take a firm grip on Group Six as Sven-Goran Eriksson's side cruised to a 2-0 victory against Wales at Old Trafford.
England dominated the match, particularly in the first half, as they moved a step closer to qualification for the World Cup in Germany.
England started brightly and an early run by Michael Owen ended with his cross being blocked as Wayne Rooney burst in to the area.
However, England took the lead with their next attack in the fourth minute.
Nicky Butt set up Owen, who played the ball back to Frank Lampard on the edge of the area. The Chelsea man's drilled shot was deflected past Paul Jones in the Welsh goal by Owen - Lampard's sixth goal in his last nine internationals.
In the ninth minute a David Beckham free-kick curled straight in to the grateful arms of Jones and two minutes later Rooney burst past Mark Pembridge but the Manchester United star's 25-yard effort was pushed on to the post by Jones' fingertips and away for a corner.
England continued to carve out good chances almost at will and in the 13th minute Jermain Defoe dragged a shot wide after the Spurs man had made space for himself on the edge of the penalty area.
Eight minutes later Rooney set up Owen but Jones saved the Real Madrid man's shot with his legs.
Wales had their fair share of possession in an open first half but after Gary Speed lofted a volley over the bar in the 25th minute England got back on top.
Rooney's shot was deflected into the path of Owen but Mark Delaney was able to tackle the former Liverpool star before he could get a shot on goal.
In the 33rd minute good close control by Defoe on the edge of the penalty area created an opening but his shot was weak and straight at Jones.
Five minutes later Beckham curled a shot wide as England stepped up the pace again.
Two minutes before the break Wales created their first real chance of the match when the unmarked Speed dived to head Ryan Giggs' free-kick straight at Paul Robinson.
After a quiet start to the second period a tricky 53rd minute run by Owen took him into the penalty area but Danny Gabbidon finally managed to snuff out the danger.
Two minutes later Rooney got to the byline after nudging Delaney off the ball but instead of playing the ball back, the teenager tried to net from a tight angle and Jones was able to block the attempt.
Owen then set up Beckham who tried to chip Jones but the Wales keeper managed to back-pedal and claim the ball.
Almost immediately Owen broke clear again but his shot drifted over the bar.
England briefly lost their way midway through the second period as Mark Hughes' side got back in to the game but Craig Bellamy sliced a 67th minute shot badly wide after the ball had been deflected in to the Newcastle star's path.
It was a warning to England though and they duly stepped up the pace once again with Sol Campbell heading Beckham's corner just over the bar.
Owen then had another effort blocked after good play by Rooney but England sealed victory in the 76th minute when Beckham curled a 25-yard shot past Jones and into the top corner of the net - the England captain's 15th goal for his country.
Gabbidon then kept Rooney's effort out after Jones had somehow blocked Beckham's close-range blast as England threatened to run riot.
With eight minutes left great play by Rooney ended with Gabbidon deflecting his shot out for a corner before Jones clawed Owen's header away after substitute Alan Smith had created the opening.
The only black mark for England was Beckham's late booking that means he misses the match against Azerbaijan on Wednesday.