England were made to sweat before ultimately dispatching Kazakhstan 5-1 at Wembley.
After a goalless first half, Rio Ferdinand's header from Frank Lampard's corner settled the nerves before an own goal doubled the lead.
Kazakhstan pulled one back after an Ashley Cole error before two late goals from Wayne Rooney and a cool finish from substitute Jermain Defoe added gloss to the scoreline.
Goalscorers Ferdinand and Rooney acknowledged that England were below their best - especially in the first period.
Rooney told ITV: "In the first half we had couple of chances and could have gone in one or two goals up at half-time. But we knew we had to be patient.
"We knew the chances would come and we would take them. We took them in the end and ended up with an easy victory.
"We know we can play better, but the result was the main thing - to get the points on the board. We're delighted with that.
Ferdinand added: "We would like to play better than did today - especially in the first half - but we won 5-1.
"We've got three points on the board and we're pleased with that."
Ferdinand was disappointed with the reaction of a section of the crowd to Cole after his blunder for the Kazakhstan goal.
The Chelsea left-back was booed, and Ferdinand added on ITV: "It's disappointing when any player makes a mistake - you want to get behind him and gee him up so he gets back into the game.
"I hope the people who've done that [booed Cole] will feel a bit ashamed of themselves."
England manager Fabio Capello agreed with his captain.
The Italian said: "I don't understand why the crowd boo one player - you have to help the players more when they make a mistake."
