England 3-0 Spain ( 28th February 2001)

Sven Goran Eriksson’s first match in charge of England could not have got off to a better start. After defeats against Italy and Germany in previous matches, things could have only really got better for England and it did. Eriksson unleashed an attacking team including Andy Cole, Michael Owen and Paul Scholes. Nicky Barmby gave England the lead after 37 minutes and England really took charge of the football game since that moment. Ugo Ehouge scored England’s second early on in the second half from a Frank Lamaprd corner and England were coasting on, Ehiouge could have scored second moments later, however his shot was well saved by the keeper. Heskey added a third for England and this was a great debut for Sven Goran Eriksson. David James sealed off a great English performance by saving a penalty late on in the match.

Germany 1-5 England ( 1st September 2001)- World cup qualifier
Sven Goran Eriksson’s men looked world beaters in the 5-1 demolition job on Germany in September 2001. Germany took the early lead as Oliver Neuville headed down for Carsten Janker to score and put the German’s in front. However this really only woke England up. Only six minutes later Nicky Barmby set up a goal for Michael Owen to finish off and score. Paul Scholes and Steven gerrard were playing magnificently and on the stroke of half time, Gerrard belted a great shot into the back of the net from 25 yards. After only two minutes into the second half, England were coasting on as Owen scored his second and England’s third. A great Gerrard run mid way through the second half found Owen and he scored his hat – trick and England had now reached the Promised Land. Heskey added another goal to complete the demolition job late on in the match.

England 2-2 Greece  (6th October 2001)
Prior to this match, England needed to beat Greece to ensure qualification for the 2002 world cup finals, if they drew they had to rely on the Germans failing to win against Finland. England started off nervously and could have conceded on several occasions in the first half; Giorgios Karagounis came close however Nigel Martin saved on both occasions. Robbie Fowler should have put England in the lead just before half time; however he failed to tap the ball into the back of the net from a Heskey pass. Chariestas put Greece in front just before the interval. Greece came close early on in the second period to making it 2-0, only to be prevented from a world class save by Nigel Martyn. Within seconds of coming on, Sheringham scored for England to level the proceedings. The celebrations were cut short as England conceded again with 20 minutes remaining. With only a minute of injury time remaining, David Beckham’s greatest moment of his England career was achieved, he belted a stunning free kick into the back of the net to equalize and effectively send England into the 2002 world cup finals.