England beat Nigeria 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up game at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Both teams came into the game looking for a competitive clash ahead of their respective World Cup campaigns.

The Three Lions got off to a great start. Kieran Trippier forced Francis Uzoho into a great save from a free kick. England then struck from the resulting corner as Gary Cahill rose highest to send a bullet header into the top corner, 1-0 to the home side with after seven minutes.

Gareth Southgate’s team were looking threatening, with Raheem Sterling particularly proving difficult to handle.

After missing a number of good chances, England finally got their second six minutes before half-time. Harry Kane picked up the ball outside of the Nigeria box and produced a powerful strike which flew past Uzoho in the Nigerian goal.

England 2-0 up at half-time and seemingly in control.

Nigeria came out firing in the second stanza and it did not take them long to pull a goal back. Odion Ighalo’s powerful strike rebounded off the post and fell into the path of Alex Iwobi who finished brilliantly, leaving Jordan Pickford with no chance, 2-1 with 47 minutes gone.

The home side were no longer enjoying the freedom and space they were afforded in the first half as Nigeria pushed forward in search of a leveller.

Despite this pressure, the Super Eagles could not take advantage of any of their openings.

England held on for the 2-1 victory and Southgate would be pleased by the overall performance of his side. Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr would also be encouraged by the good second-half showing by his side.

Both teams will have one more friendly before heading off to Russia to compete in the World Cup.