The team's downbeat performance was enlivened only by an attempt on goal from Les Ferdinand in the 18th minute, which ended in an off-side call.

BBC correspondent Neil Bennett on a drab performance by England

Belgium could not claim to have run their opponents off the field, but they showed greater attacking spirit and created at least three strong attempts on goal.

But England keeper Nigel Martyn kept his composure, allowing the 0-0 scoreline to remain throughout the game.

Paul Merson battles with Eric Van Meir

With Ian Wright out of the picture for France, Glenn Hoddle now faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of injuries on Paul Gascoigne and Sol Campbell who both hobbled off. He will name his 22-man World Cup squad on Monday.

The first goal opportunity came in the eighth minute when Belgium's Boffin rushed at the England defence with threatening speed after a break-neck run and pass from Mbo M'Penza. But the finish was weak and ran straight into Martyn's cupped hands.

Terry Butcher speaks to Radio 5 Live: Hoddle has a lot of work to do to find strongest side (2'44")

The sloppy England defence meant it was not long before Martyn, who has not played for England outside his home country in five years, was tested again.

A shot from Verheyen deflected to substitute Mbo M'Penza but his effort went weakly through to Martyn.

England's best chance came in the 18th minute when Paul Gascoigne delivered an exact pass through to Les Ferdinand, who was clear just outside Belgium's penalty area.

But the linesman showed he had kept a sharp eye on the play and raised his flag for off-side.

Gascoigne is bandaged on the sidelines

The static scoreline looked in danger of shifting Belgium's way on the 43rd minute with another convincing attempt by M'Penza. Again, it was thanks to Nigel Martyn's quick reflexes that England managed to stay level.

Hoddle made a double half-time substitution, replacing the Neville brothers with Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand as they reverted to a 3-5-2 formation, but the Belgians started the second half in a more threatening manner.

A shot from Verheyen deflected to substitute M'Penza but his effort trickled through to Martyn.

Van Meir was booked in the 55th minute for hauling down Owen in full flight before England produced two worthwhile efforts that tested Van de Walle.

Sensational flying save

First the Belgian keeper tipped over a scorching left-foot effort from Graeme Le Saux after he had burst into the area and then did well to hang on to a low drive from Merson, who was playing behind Owen and Ferdinand in the second half.

The Middlesbrough man's increasing confidence was clear in the 71st minute, when Beckham's corner was deflected towards him, Merson instantly thumping a volley that flew a fraction off-target.

Campbell's debut as captain lasted just 75 minutes, Dion Dublin coming on into the back three and Les Ferdinand taking the armband, as the game looked set for truly pointless penalties.

Martyn made a sensational flying save from Scifo's screamer three minutes from time, and when Emile Mpenza shot wide after turning Dublin a minute later, the stage was set for the shoot-out.

Belgium perhaps cared slightly more, and they emerged triumphant. When it means something, the test will be far more worthwhile.