England were led to believe that both sides were allowed to use seven substitutions in Sunday's friendly rather than the FIFA-stipulated maximum of six, and Fabio Capello duly made seven changes.

FIFA have since revealed that they did not give their approval to England, but the game will not be wiped from the record books due to a mistake by the referee.

A statement read: "FIFA can confirm it did not give special dispensation to make up to seven substitutions at the Trinidad and Tobago v England friendly match played on Sunday, 1 June 2008.

"The referee of this match confirmed to FIFA that he received no instruction to allow for such a special dispensation, but that it had been a mistake by the referee.

"As FIFA has received no official protest regarding this match, it shall be considered as an official match."

FIFA's decision means England will keep the world ranking points they gained, while debutants Dean Ashton, Phil Jagielka, Joe Hart and Stephen Warnock will all keep their first caps.

The FA were under the impression they had been given permission for seven changes to mark Trinidad and Tobago's centenary of football.