England were already three goals to the good when Rodwell emerged from the bench at half-time, in what was a perfect warm-up for next week’s European Under-21 Championships in Sweden.

“The attitude was good from the first whistle to the final whistle,” said Rodwell, who is now focusing on Monday’s opener against Finland. “We kept on going and played some good stuff. “

Tim Cahill sat out Australia’s 2-0 win over Bahrain yesterday after failing to overcome a minor knock.

The midfielder was rested for the World Cup qualifier in Sydney, with the Socceroos already assured of a place at next summer’s tournament in South Africa.

EVERTON have confirmed they will be playing in aprestigious friendly against one of the giants of South American football this summer.

David Moyes’s men will take on River Plate, Argentinian champions a record 33 times.

The game will take place in Canada at The Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, which is a 60,000 all-seated venue, on July 25. Kick-off will be at 7.30pm local time (July 26, 2.30am BST).

Everton captain Phil Neville is excited by the prospect of playing River Plate and said: “Everyone who knows football knows about River Plate.

“I am really looking forward to the match and it will, of course, be a very tough test for us at that stage of our pre-season preparation.

“Any games between English and Argentinean teams will be good ones and although this is a friendly for both of us, I’m sure it will be keenly contested.”