England kept up their charge for automatic World Cup qualification with a workman-like 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan in some appalling conditions.
A combination of near freezing temperatures and strong wind ensured it was never going to be a night for pretty football, and the game only got the go ahead half an hour before kick-off.
Real Madrid front-man Michael Owen scored the decisive goal on 22 minutes when his clever move helped him lose his marker and gave him the space he need to head home Ashley Cole's cross.
The conditions nearly gave England the lead inside the first five minutes when the swirling wind caused Gary Neville's low cross to swirl away from goalkeeper Jahangir Hasanzade, forcing the goalkeeper to intercept as Owen threatened to pounce.
England kept the early pressure up and Jermaine Jenas thumped a left foot shot at Hasanzade after being set up by Owen. Jenas, making his first English start, was tenacious in midfield, pouncing on any loose ball and justifying his selection.
Azerbaijan's best period came at the start of the second half after some sloppy defending looked set to give Sahir Aliyev a clear run at goal but for a stumble which allowed Rio Ferdinand to snuff out the danger.
Aliyev did better a minute later when he sent a low shot whistling narrowly wide and Attandil Hajiyev forced Paul Robinson into his first save of the evening.
However, England rallied and Frank Lampard helped them reassert themselves with a fiercely struck free-kick from 35 yards that Hasanzade could only palm over his crossbar, that proved to be the last major chance of a dour game.
