Bobby's been there before and he's impressed so far (Pic/Allsport)

Eriksson's debut as England's first foreign coach, transferred from London to the provinces because of Wembley's imminent demolition, has initially justified the Football Association's insistence on handing the job to a Swede.

But even a traditionalist like Robson, who led England to the World Cup semi-finals in 1990, had to accept that Eriksson's entrance could not have been stage-managed more successfully.

'In parts, I thought it was an impressive performance by England,' said the 68-year-old Newcastle manager.

'What impressed me was the fact that an untried left-back like Chris Powell could do so well in the first half and another left-back, Michael Ball, so well in the second.

'It was a good team performance, too, and, in terms of the result, I think it must rank as one of the best starts by an England manager.'

Robson's debut as England manager in 1982 produced a 2-2 draw in a European qualifier in Denmark. Since then, all of England's coaches have made winning starts, with Kevin Keegan's 3-1 win over Poland in another European tie probably the most notable.

Last night's 3-0 win over Spain, one of Europe's most accomplished teams, contained much of merit but Eriksson needs no one to tell him that it was a friendly and that for long periods the Spanish seemed reluctant to stretch themselves.

But at least Eriksson emerged from his introductory lesson in the vagaries of the English game with a firm conviction that he has the play-ers to complete a successful World Cup salvage operation.

He used 18 players, liked most of what he saw and knows he can still call on Gareth Southgate, Darren Anderton, Martin Keown, Steve Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Teddy Sheringham, Kieron Dyer, Ray Parlour and Joe Cole.

He knows, too, that next month's World Cup ties against Finland and Albania could yet undermine this honeymoon period. 'With one point from our first two games, were're not permitted to fail,' he said.

'The trouble with football is that you can fail. But with six games to play we have a good chance of qualifying. I hope we can continue as we've started. I'm sure we can.

'If the players continue to perform as they did last night I don't think I will need to do anything.'

Unlike the impulsive Keegan, Eriksson is a logical strategist who seeks simple solutions. England had a difficult opening 20 minutes, largely because the passing and direction of Josep Guardiola ensured that Spain kept possession.

Guardiola strolled around in front of his back four and, from the bench, Eriksson ordered Michael Owen to drop deep when Spain had possession and hustle the creator of England's problems. Guardiola's effectiveness was halved almost immediately.

'It's okay playing the ball around the field but there has to be some end result,' said Spain's manager Jose Camacho. 'We had possession but England played the more effective, more decisive football.'

The energetic Nicky Barmby and the thoughtful, tigerish Paul Scholes had much to do with shaping England's victory. Scholes made a greater contribution than his club mate and new England captain David Beckham and could have an increasingly influential role under Eriksson.

Barmby, profiting from Michael Owen's alert pass, gave England the lead in the 37th minute and Andy Cole could easily have added to that when he received a raking pass from Beckham and forced a fine diving save from Iker Casillas.

Charlton's Powell and Everton's Ball appeared equally comfortable in England's problem left-back position. West Ham's Frank Lampard also enhanced his prospects with a sound second-half contribution, providing the corners that led to goals by Emile Heskey and Ugo Ehiogu.

'I didn't think England would make such an impact from corners,' said Camacho.

Few thought that England would make any sort of impact after five games without a win. But they did. 'We have to keep our feet on the ground,' said Eriksson.