Eriksson, Beckham salute England spirit

David Beckham celebrates putting England 2-1 ahead

England were not at their best as they beat Finland 2-1 at Anfield, but coach Sven Goran Eriksson was delighted with the way his side recovered.

Having seen England fall behind to a Gary Neville own goal, second half strikes from Michael Owen and David Beckham kept Eriksson in an upbeat mood.

"It was typical they scored at a corner kick, and we didn't have good marking, but it's very good to see the spirit the team had in coming back," said the Swede.

"We suffered a lot at the end but I think we deserved to win. We were the better team and created more than they did.

It was a great moment and for it to be the winner was even better

  David Beckham

"They are physically very strong and at every free-kick and corner they are very dangerous."

Captain David Beckham was delighted to score his first goal for England from open play, but believed it was Michael Owen's goal just before the break that changed the game.

"We needed Michael's goal before half-time because our confidence was a bit low. But I thought the character of the side was unbelievable today," he said.

On the subject of scoring for England again, Beckham said: "It's been a long time coming and I enjoyed it."

England were indebted to a brilliant late double save from David Seaman that denied Jari Litmanen and the Finns an equaliser, but the Arsenal keeper was disappointed to be beaten in the first half.

They (Albania) are not as physically strong as Finland but I don't think it will be easier

  Sven Goran Eriksson

"They got a free header and I was about to catch it when Gary Neville got his knee in the way," said Seaman. "It was a natural reaction on his part - I was going down to make the save."

Having been an injury doubt in the build up to the game Seaman was delighted to regain the number one jersey.

"I had a chat with the manager and I knew the situation. But I'd missed the last two games so I was determined to play today."

England play Albania on Wednesday and Eriksson is expecting a different but just as difficult challenge.

"They (Albania) are not as physically strong as Finland but I don't think it will be easier."