England enjoy send-off with six of the best

England 6 Iceland 1

England gave their supporters a send-off to remember before they headed for Euro 2004 as they crushed Iceland 6-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first choice side opened up a three-goal lead in the first 45 minutes through Wayne Rooney (2) and Frank Lampard.

Heidar Helguson pulled a goal back just before the interval before Eriksson’s shadow squad also found their shooting boots.

Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell netted twice, although there was a suspicion that Iceland defender Indridi Sigurdsson may have got the final touch to his first effort, while defender Wayne Bridge completed the rout.

England skipper David Beckham played the first 45 minutes before heading to hospital for an injection in a minor cyst on his back although he will be fit for training in Portugal on Tuesday.