As a former World Cup winning captain, Lothar Matthaus knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a good side.

Merely being ranked number four by FIFA does not do it, especially when the system used for determining who the best teams are somehow does not place the present World Cup and European Championship holders, Spain, at the top and can leave Uruguay - who followed up a semi-final appearance in South Africa by lifting the Copa America this summer - as low as fifth.

It is about imposing superiority, grinding out results when necessary and having enough strength in depth to cover crucial absences.

"They have worked very hard, with the players they have, to reach that position in the world. Now they must continue," said Matthaus, whose Bulgarian team were overwhelmed 3-0 by the Three Lions in Sofia.

In all areas, England are answering key questions.

Yesterday, they clung on during some difficult opening moments, when Chris Smalling was adapting to his new surroundings and Wayne Rooney was struggling to get on the ball.

Then they struck, Gareth Barry lifting an excellent pass over the Bulgarian defence that allowed Gary Cahill to control and finish.

Rooney took over after that, scoring the 27th and 28th international goals of his career, ending a drought that had seen him find the net just once in two years.

And as he boarded the flight back to Luton, Capello could reflect that this had been achieved without injured duo Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere, Rio Ferdinand, who was not selected for the squad, Andy Carroll, whose poor early-season form meant he was not even on the bench, and Frank Lampard, who was introduced as a substitute 10 minutes from the end.

Six months ago, all five would have been viewed as essential components of Capello's team.

"We played a really good game," reflected Capello.

"It is really good to see the players want to win and fight together."

While Rooney and Ashley Young linked up impressively and the midfield partnership of Barry and Scott Parker went about their business with quiet efficiency, it was England's diligence as a team which drew the most effusive praise from Capello.

For the most part they chased and harried impressively, ensuring a Bulgarian team that, given any encouragement, could have caused the visitors problems, were never allowed to build up a head of steam.

"It was not easy to play here," continued Capello.

"We scored three goals in the first half but also, the players won the ball back really well and we got more chances to score.

"There were times when we stayed too distant from the opponent. We did it in the first 20 minutes of the match and the last 10 minutes of the first half.

"It is really important to press the ball and we did that really well in the final 25 minutes."

England now have breathing space in their battle for qualification from Group G, but nothing more.

Immediately after the final whistle, Capello was under the impression Montenegro's defeat in Cardiff meant a win over Wales on Tuesday would send England through.

Evidently, the Italian has not read UEFA's regulations properly, or more likely, had been given some duff information.

Even if they beat a Wales side shorn of Craig Bellamy and David Vaughan through suspension, Capello's team could still be pipped if Montenegro win what has been dubbed as the group decider in Podgorica on October 7, then go to Basle and get maximum points against Switzerland four days later, by which time England will have finished their own campaign.

It seems unlikely his side will not be in Poland and Ukraine next summer but Capello has been around long enough to know nothing can be taken for granted.