England player ratings v Bulgaria

Joe Hart 8 Exudes the quality and confidence demanded of a first-choice international goalkeeper. This was his first competitive appearance and he excelled, conjuring fine saves from Johnson, unexpectedly, Rangelov and Angelov to spark the break that supplied the hosts' second goal Glen Johnson 5 Far from convincing defensively, where he was prone to aberrations, not least when mistiming a clearance and almost beating Hart from close range. He remained a threat when offered the opportunity to spring forward down the flank Michael Dawson 6 Eased into his first start before an ugly-lookingn awkward tumble and twist to the turf seconds later looked ugly, with the defender clutching his left knee in agony Phil Jagielka 7 Grew into the contest, his distribution improving and his judgment and pace in recovery at times impressive. There was one particularly eye-catching challenge to repel Bozhinov. This was encouraging Ashley Cole 8 Combined superbly with Rooney at times, especially for England's early goal, which owed much to his calm persistence. He may still attract murmuring discontent in the stands, but he remains one of this side's gems Theo Walcott 6 This was a trickier test than he has endured in the Premier League to date this season, but he was bright and energetic on the flank, exposing Milanov at times with his pace and trickery Steven Gerrard 8 Deep-lying but imperious for long periods, spraying accurate passes to either flank and, with Rooney, cajoling forward thrusts from his team-mates. This was inspirational at times and offered those around him real conviction Gareth Barry 7 Busy and disruptive as ever as he attempted to stifle Bulgaria's attempts at fluid forward movement. He was perhaps fortunate to escape a booking, but he is a reassuring presence James Milner 7 Broke forward well, all hustle and bustle where Walcott glides. He combined well, particularly with Rooney when the striker dropped deep, with his persistence offering his markers no respite Jermain Defoe 8 Smartly taken early goal, pealing off Ivanov and volleying England ahead with what might have been perhaps his first touch. His second and third were each fed by his strike partner, suggesting there is logic in persisting with the Rooney-Defoe partnership after all Wayne Rooney 8 Some of England's best attacking play stemmed from his endeavours, even if his touch is stodgier at times than he would like. One mistake drew boos from the crowd, but played a part in all four goals Substitutes Cahill for Dawson 57mins Made telling block to deny Bulgaria A Johnson for Walcott 74mins Scored his first England goal Young for Defoe 87mins Little time to impress