Clockwatch: England 2-1 Finland

All the action, minute by minute, as England beat Finland 2-1 in their crucial World Cup 2002 Group Nine qualifying match.

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15:00 England start the game and cause immediate problems for the Finns. Andy Cole takes on the opposition with a run at the heart of their defence straight from kick-off - but after linking with Michael Owen, he shoots just wide.

5 mins: An early injury scare for England, as Steven Gerrard - who was only passed fit on the morning of the game - is treated by the physio after a knock.

Captain marvel: Beckham celebrates his fine winner

13: After a burst into the Finnish area, Michael Owen tumbles under Hannu Tihinen's challenge - but the referee ignores the penalty appeals of the home fans.

18: Mika Nurmela is the first player to be booked after a clumsy tackle on Michael Owen.

20: After a flowing England move, Steve McManaman lays the ball back for David Beckham, who launches a thunderous drive - but the shot is straight at keeper Antti Niemi.

21: David Seaman saves well with his legs from Jonatan Johansson, after Finland catch England napping on the break.

24: With the Finland defence backing off, David Beckham tries his luck with another long-range effort. Again, it is a well-struck effort, but this time the ball goes just over the Finnish bar.

Jari Litmanen tumbles under Paul Scholes' challenge

28: Another Finland corner and again the England defence is absent without leave. This time, though, the visitors fail to make it count and the ball is eventually hacked clear.

34: Gary Neville is beaten in the air by Joonas Kolkka, but his header is comfortably claimed by David Seaman.

35: Andy Cole tries his luck with an overhead kick from the edge of the area. But it always looks too ambitious and keeper Niemi is not troubled.

37: Michael Owen's 25-yard shot is deflected over the bar - and from the corner Cole is unable to get his shot on target.

39: Finland's front pair Jari Litmanen and Jonatan Johansson combine well - but Seaman athletically saves from Johansson after a dangerous run from the Charlton striker.

43: Relief for England fans as Michael Owen equalises just before the break, following the home team's best move of the first half. Beckham sends Neville clear down the right flank, he does well to beat his marker and drills a cross into the path of a third Manchester United player, Andy Cole. He lays the ball back for Owen, who lashes a first-time shot into Niemi's net.
England 1-1 Finland

45: The referee blows for half-time, just after Andy Cole has headed wide from David Beckham's cross.

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50: England are suddenly in charge, with a superb goal at the start of the second half. Steve McManaman and Paul Scholes set David Beckham free on the right-hand side of the area - and the England captain unleashes an unstoppable angled drive. It is Beckham's first goal for his country since France 98 - and his first ever from open play.
England 2-1 Finland

Jarko Wiss and Paul Scholes clash in midfield

53: Finland's captain and inspiration Jari Litmanen picks up an arm injury in a clash with Rio Ferdinand - but he returns to the action after lengthy treatment on the sidelines.

58: Only the woodwork prevents England moving two goals clear. Cole's mis-directed header from Scholes' cross reaches Owen at the far post - but his looping header rebounds against the crossbar.

63: Finland make a double substitution, as strikers Mikael Forssell and Shefki Kuqi replace wide men Mika Nurmela and Joonas Kolkka.

64: Paul Scholes is booked for a late challenge on Jarko Wiss.

68: Andy Cole squanders a glorious opening, slicing the ball wide after Paul Scholes' cute touch leaves him with just the keeper to beat.

70: Steve McManaman becomes the second England player to pick up a yellow card.

Seaman's despairing dive cannot prevent Neville's own goal

71: Liverpool's Emile Heskey replaces Steve McManaman, to the delight of the Anfield crowd.

73: Owen's flicked header balloons over the bar from Beckham's curling free-kick.

74: Sami Hyypia is booked after bringing down Liverpool team-mate Heskey just outside the area. Beckham produces a trademark fizzing free-kick - but Niemi parries the ball clear.

78: Gerrard tries his luck from distance, but his shot is straight at Niemi.

81: Petri Pasenen is booked for dragging back Gerrard. And there are more loud cheers around Anfield, as Robbie Fowler comes off the bench - with the hapless Andy Cole making way.

83: Sol Campbell heads well wide from Beckham's corner.

Sven Goran Eriksson urges his side on

85: Fowler tests Niemi with a rasping drive after tenacious work from Liverpool team-mate Gerrard sends him through.

87: With just three minutes left, England suffer an almighty scare. David Seaman is the hero, as he flings himself across his goal-line to keep out Litmanen's header, after the Finnish captain again exploits some non-existent marking.

88: Petri Hellin comes on for Finland, while Nicky Butt replaces Michael Owen for England.

93: After three minutes of injury-time, England are grateful to hear the full-time whistle.