England player ratings

Michael Owen breaks clear of Theo Zagorakis

BBC Sport Online's Stuart Roach rates England's individual performances in the match in Athens.

David Seaman:

Little to do but did make a fine save from Giorgos Karagounis early in the second half without realising the striker was offside.

Phil Neville

Quiet defensive game on England's right but broke free on a cross-field run to lay the foundations for England's opener.

Ashley Cole:

Lively attacking force and defensively sound. Booked for tackle on Zagorakis but made goal-saving challenge to deny Yiannakopoulis.

Martin Keown:

Rock solid at the heart of England's defence. Only conceded one free-kick and even that should not have been given.

Rio Ferdinand:

Oustanding in the centre of the England defence. Made only one slip all night and was rescued by Cole, otherwise unpassable.

David Beckham:

Usual dangerous crosses were backed by some tigerish tackling. Went close twice before trademark free-kick completed England's win.

Steven Gerrard:

Composed and confident. Sprayed some visionary passes and made fine defensive tackles, including one on the edge of his own box.

Paul Scholes (withdrawn 88 mins):

Always a threat running from midfield and once again repaid punters who backed him for England's first goal. Denied clear early chance by dubious offside flag.

Emile Heskey (withdrawn 75 mins):

Made some threatening bursts down the left and rolled the cross for Scholes to turn home the opener. But always looked wary tracking back.

Robbie Fowler (withdrawn 78 mins):

Saw an early header superby tipped over the bar and flicked another header wide from Owen's cross. Combined well with Owen but faded in the second half.

Michael Owen:

Pace always a problem for Greek defence and one first-half burst exposed Dabizas, only for the Liverpool striker to slice wide.

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Substitutes:

Steve McManaman:

Came on for Heskey down the left, though was clearly frustrated at not starting there. Little chance to shine but wasted early crossing chance with no support.

Alan Smith:

Came on for Fowler to win his second cap and his first in the World Cup. Only had 10 minutes but looked composed.

Nicky Butt:

Replaced Scholes in closing stages as England made sure they tightened up following Beckham's second goal.