England profit from Gamarra slip

The Group B favourites got their campaign off to a winning start courtesy of an early Carlos Gamarra own goal. England then repelled a spirited fightback to take the points despite failing to produce a vintage performance.

Early breakthrough
Germany took less than six minutes to score in Friday's opening game but England went even better, as Paraguay captain Gamarra glanced a pacy David Beckham free-kick past Justo Villar before three minutes were up. Villar's afternoon went from bad to worse when, with his next contribution, he sustained a leg injury and was forced off to be replaced by Aldo Bobadilla.

Gerrard drive
Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard started after recovering from a back injury, and orchestrated a powerful first-half display from England that saw Peter Crouch, Beckham and Frank Lampard threaten Bobadilla's goal, while Joe Cole gave Denis Caniza a torrid time on the left flank.

Lively Valdez
Werder Bremen striker Nelson Valdez shot wide just before half-time and was instrumental in a Paraguayan resurgence after the break. England lost momentum with the introduction of midfielder Stewart Downing for striker Michael Owen, and were grateful to see Carlos Paredes fire his half-volley over on the hour after Paul Robinson failed to hold a cross.