World Cup 19. Superb England Dominate.

Beckham rammed home his authority with a superb bending and dipping free kick that shot England into the quarter finals of the 2006 World Cup.

England controlled the game from start to finish as the five man midfield began to tick. Sven got up off the bench to proudly patrol his technical area as his squad of the most talented English professional footballers counted down the second half minutes to victory.

The introduction of Hargreaves and Carrick added more ability on the ball and Lampard and Gerrad began to roam forward. With Rooney beginning to look irrepressible England constantly threatened and never looked pressured.

At seventy seven minutes Sven sent on Carragher for Joe Cole and closed the door on the game. At eighty seven minutes Lennon came on to crush out the Ecuadorian challenge with a few minutes of wing play.

Eriksson and his team performed with control and composure and have conducted themselves well under the most intense pressure that any sportsman can encounter. The white shirts of England are again in the last eight of a major competition and the millions of English football supporters are wearing proud smiles.

The only shadow over the Portugal game is the way it will highlight the unacceptable behaviour and the disgraceful conduct of the FA.

Unable to appreciate the achievement of this England team there are some sad losers in the press and media moaning about the England performances. They don't know much about pressure or how to realise your talent and ability on the biggest stage of all.

In the tunnel an English player said "let them see it" and later Beckham spilled his guts. There is something special out there in Germany 2006. It runs through the players and it runs across the England that is awash with the colours of our team. There is pride and belief. Its beautiful.

Come on England.

Courtesy of Premiership Diary