England lead at the break

England 1, Argentina 0 (half-time)

David Beckham revived England’s World Cup hopes when he scored a 43rd-minute penalty for a half-time lead in the Group F match with Argentina.

The England captain made no mistake after Michael Owen, who had earlier hit the post, had been brought down in the penalty area by Mauricio Pochettino.Gonzalez volleyed over when well placed after Batistuta had flicked on a cross from Zanetti.

Gonzalez then needed treatment as he was left with blood streaming from his mouth after being caught in an aerial challenge by Beckham.

But then two minutes before the interval England got the breakthrough they desperately needed through a penalty from Beckham.

Owen was brought down in the area by Pochettino after he had cut inside and had his legs taken from under him.

Collina immediately pointed to the spot and up stepped Beckham and he made no mistake, drilling his shot low and hard straight down the centre of the goal.

It was the cue for the Manchester United star to run to the corner flag and clutch his England shirt in the direction of the fans.