A moment of Gabriel Agbonlahor inspired genius put Stuart Pearce's England U21s firmly in the driving seat against their Welsh counterparts heading into Tuesday night's second leg play-off encounter at Villa Park.
Agbonlahor, who scored the winner in the 3-2 win, is again expected to lead the line alongside Middlesborough's exciting prospect Adam Johnson. James Milner will captain the side from the right flank after impressing in the first leg.
Craig Gardner is a major doubt with the groin strain that kept him out of the away victory and didn't train with the rest of the squad at Villa Park on Monday.
After a seesaw encounter at Ninian Park, Pearce and his back room staff will be only too aware of the threat that the Welsh side pose.
Wales dominated large periods of the opening half with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey at the helm of things. But, as England's experienced Premiership midfield pair of Tom Huddlestone and Mark Noble began to exert their control in the centre of the park the chances came thick and fast for the away side.
Confident
Agbonlahor hit the crossbar with a long range effort, Milner tricked and teased his way down the wings and England's players were disappointed to not have won by a greater margin.
Villa striker Agbonlahor acknowledges the difficulty of the task presented by Brian Flynn's outfit but is confident they can get the job done: "We have the team to progress, but they are a good side so we'll have to be at our best on Tuesday" he said.
England remain strong favourites to progress though they will have to defend better than the did in the first half at Ninian Park as the Welsh strike force headed by Reading's Simon Church will be only to glad to accept any opportunities that come their way.
Playing at a stadium with such grandeur as Villa Park should be inspiration enough for the Pearce's men to produce their best.
And, should any of the English players suffer stage fright, they need look no further than Gabby or James Milner for advice on how to impress the Villa Park faithful.