England over defensive, claims Batistuta

Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta has accused England of being over defensive in Friday’s famous victory by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men.

David Beckham’s penalty just before half-time gave England a 1-0 lead which was held by a stout rearguard action after the break.

But Batistuta said: ‘‘If the English had played a little bit more in the second half, I think Argentina would have managed a little bit more too, but they crowded the area and it was difficult to find a way through.’’

The Roma striker was replaced by Hernan Crespo on the hour mark and the Lazio star was a little more generous in his praise of England.

‘‘They defended very well and we were not able to overcome that, they closed us down well,’’ said Crespo.