Kilby delighted as England win at the Turf

England had to make an early substitution, with Stewart Downing replacing the injured Aaron Lennon, and Downing went on to score twice after the impressive Alan Smith had given England the lead.

The first two England goals came within a couple of minutes of each other in the last ten minutes of the first half, but having gone 2-0 down the Albanians pulled one back through Besart Berisha. It was no more than he deserved. The forward, who plays his football in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, was without doubt the best player in the Albanian side and had already crashed one Wade Elliottesque shot against the bar with the score at 0-0 that left keeper Scott Carson well beaten. Carson made one very good save too before England went in front.

The second half, as often is the case in these games, got scrappy with the number of substitutions but England cruised through and got their third after good play from substitute Phil Jagielka, David Bentley and Michael Owen which led to Downing chipping the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper.

Bentley was named man of the match, and that didn't meet with the approval of a very small minority who had noted the club he plays for. It was though deserving, he played well and received a warm ovation from the Turf Moor crowd when he was substituted.

Burnley have received warm praise for the way they staged the game. Martyn Tyler in the commentary remarked on what good hosts we'd been and Steve McClaren also praised our club at the end of the game.

Today Barry Kilby has claimed it one of his proudest nights as chairman. "What a fantastic night it's been," he said. "It is great to see Turf Moor full and with such a great atmosphere about the place. I just wish it could be like this every week."

He went on to say: "The best thing for me has been the compliments we've had from everyone, from the FA to the Albanian people who have been very kind about the club. I think we have done Burnley proud and it has been one of my proudest nights as chairman."

The game was intended as a warm up for the European qualifier in Estonia in just over a week's time and at lunchtime McClaren has included 13 of the 17 who took part in his squad for that game and the prestigious first Wembley international against Brazil.

The teams were;

England: Scott Carson, Phil Neville (Phil Jagielka 45), Nicky Shorey (Joleon Lescott 74), Gareth Barry (Steven Taylor 64), Ledley King, Michael Dawson, David Bentley (Jermain Defoe 72), Jermaine Jenas, Alan Smith (Kieron Dyer 64), Michael Owen, Aaron Lennon (Stewart Downing 10). Subs not used: Robert Green, David Nugent.

Albania: Arjan Beqaj (Isli Hidi 79), Blerim Rustemaj, Nevil Dede, Kristi Vangjeli, Klodian Duro (Endri Vrapi 66), Ervin Bulku, Ervin Skela (Jahmir Hyka 75), Besart Berisha, Devi Mukaj (Ervin Murati 45), Altin Haxhi (Julian Ahmataj 79), Alban Bushi (Vioresin Sinani 72). Sub not used: Daniel Xhafa.

Referee: Andrea De Marco (Italy).

Attendance: 20,568.