Simon Church scored twice in the first half to keep Wales' hopes alive in the play-off first leg but England were eventually too powerful.

David Wheater headed an equaliser, before Adam Johnson put England ahead. Church's contribution was outstanding, but it was Agbonlahor who grabbed the decisive strike to send England into next Tuesday's second leg at Villa Park full of confidence.

"We made it hard for ourselves in the first half," Agbonlahor said on Sky Sports 1. "In the second half we had more chances to win the game and in the end we did.

"We've got the team to progress. But Wales showed today they are a good side."

England boss Stuart Pearce warned the tie is far from over. "Parts I was happy with, parts I wasn't," he told Sky Sports 1.

"Scoring three goals on our travels, yes I'm happy. To win the game against a very, very good side, I'm pleased.

"I thought we ceded too much ground in certain areas and concede a couple of goals.

"As a learning curve, it was a fantastic night of football.

"But it's not dead, we have to go to Villa Park and our only focus will be trying to win the game."

Pearce's opposite number Brian Flynn said: "It was a fantastic game, great to be involved in.

"The players will have learned a hell of a lot, it was great experience for them."