By Wally Downes
There were a host of England stars - young an experienced – for Roy Hodgson to watch in Southampton's comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham.
The England boss was at Craven Cottage to see Rickie Lambert return to the Southampton team, after a hamstring injury had kept him out of late and the club's decision to offload Dani Osvaldo this week may mean more chances as the team's central striker.
As usual, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez worked off Lambert with an almost telepathic understanding and the trio of England forwards caused Fulham problems from the first whistle in west London.
Lambert was back amongst the goals for Southampton.
Rodriguez went close with a first-half header, but chances were generally few and far between for the visitors in opening 45 minutes.
But Southampton grabbed the lead after 64 minutes when Lambert played in Lallana, who smashed home with his left foot.
Lambert then drove home a goal of his own to mark his return in spectacular fashion and Rodriguez completed a dream day for the Three Lions trio with a fantastic curling shot in the 75th minute.
England Under-21 left-back Luke Shaw engaged in and won a fascinating duel against Fulham's on-loan debutant Lewis Holtby.
And on the other side of the Saints defence, England U19s captain Calum Chambers put in a tremendously solid performance for a man of his age against the experienced Damien Duff.
Elsewhere, Adam Johnson continued his good run of form with the second goal in Sunderland's 3-0 north-east derby win over Newcastle United, in one of the afternoon's early kick-offs.
Adam Johnson strikes home for Sunderland against Newcastle United.
The winger has been overlooked during Roy Hodgson's tenure so far, but after scoring his sixth goal in four games, he said: “I'm in one of those sort of moments. January has probably the best month I've had as a footballer. I'm scoring goals and creating others. It's been great.
"I haven't felt any different. Things have started to go for me. I wasn't trying anything before, it just wasn't coming off for me. Now it's turned, I'm enjoying it.
"Of course I have missed international football. It's the best thing of all to play for England. A few months ago, I didn't think I have a chance but maybe I do now. It's a good time to do it."
Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick all featured in Manchester United's defeat to Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, although United were boosted to have Wayne Rooney back in the starting line-up and to see him complete 90 minutes unscathed after a frustrating injury lay-off.
And finally Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry, Ross Barkley and Phil Jagielka managed to enjoy their visit from Aston Villa, after a late comeback saw them win 2-1 at Goodison Park.
