England player ratings

David Beckham was England's man-of-the-match

BBC Sport Online's football editor, Howard Nurse, scrutinises England's players during the heart-stopping 2-1 win against Finland.

David Seaman

Back as England's number one. Alert when called upon but helpless when Finland scored. Brilliant save at the end protected England's lead.

Gary Neville

Unlucky to see the ball deflect off him for Finland's goal. Superb skills in the right corner resulted in England's equaliser. Merited his place.

Rio Ferdinand

His poor marking from a corner cost England dear when Finland scored. Caught out a couple of times against the pace of Johansson. Sound apart from his error at the Finland goal.

Sol Campbell

Looked steady overall, but sometimes let down by his distribution. The Finnish strikers were always a handful but Campbell held firm.

Chris Powell

Steady second England appearance. Rarely seen overlapping down the left after Finland caused the home nation plenty of problems.

Steve Gerrard

Suffered an early knock and the injury-prone midfielder never really hit top form. Improved vastly in the second half and lasted the whole 90 minutes.

David Beckham

Inspirational. Twice went close with long-range shots and started the move which led to the equaliser. Scored only his second international goal - and what a corker!

Paul Scholes

Unable to make an impression around Finland's penalty area until he helped set-up England's winner. Booked for a typically over-zealous tackle but always an automatic choice.

Steve McManaman (withdrawn 72 mins)

Busy and always looked to prise an opening down the left. Went inside superbly to launch the move for England's second goal. Picked up a yellow card.

Andy Cole (withdrawn 82 mins)

Almost scored in the first minute and played a key role in England's equaliser when he set up Owen. Wasted a great second-half chance and still goalless for England.

Michael Owen (withdrawn 90 mins)

Brilliantly smashed home England's equaliser and headed against the post in the second half. Always a livewire, Owen confirmed he is back at the peak of his game.

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England substitutes:

Emile Heskey (72 mins)

Made his presence felt with a surging run to the edge of the Finland penalty area before he was brought down by Hyypia. Always provides an attacking option.

Robbie Fowler (82 mins)

Only had eight minutes on his home turf after replacing Andy Cole. The Liverpool striker is still waiting for another chance to start an international.

Nicky Butt (90 mins)

Came on at the start of injury time to bolster England's backbone. Only on the field for three minutes but will enjoy his win bonus.