I proved critics wrong - Beckham

Virtual Replay: Relive Beckham free-kick from all angles

David Beckham said he answered his critics after scoring the winning goal against Ecuador to send England through to the World Cup quarter-finals.

"It was an ugly performance but it was what we wanted and we'll take ugly performances," said the England skipper, who was ill during the game.

"It was nice to silence a few people who have been critical. I can handle my criticism and I'll prove them wrong.

"It was a great feeling to get a goal and put us into the quarter-final."

Beckham scored from a free-kick after 60 minutes, but was later sick on the pitch after suffering from dehydration.

Beckham sunk to his knees as he suffered from dehydration

"I didn't feel well before the game but I thought I would be fine and in the first half I felt fine," he told BBC Sport.

"But the sickness continued in the second half and it just came out."

It was Beckham's first England goal for 15 months and he revealed how striker Wayne Rooney had wound him up about his recent free-kicks on the eve of the game.

He also received a cheeky text message from Brazilian Roberto Carlos, his free-kick rival at Real Madrid.

Beckham said: "To be honest I have not scored for a while and I've not scored many free-kicks this season.

We are not firing on all cylinders yet John Terry

"Last night Wayne said I have been terrible in the last few games and Roberto Carlos texted me to score a goal for him so I am more than happy."

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson believes his 4-5-1 formation was justified.

"I think it worked - the formation," said the Swede.

"We should have scored more goals but I am rather happy that we are in the quarter-finals again.

"We have not performed as well as we can do but it will come later."

Defender John Terry added: "I thought we did well. We were a bit slow in the first half but the goal helped. Becks has been banging them in in training all week and he was fantastic today.

"Of course everyone looks at his free-kicks and his passing but he tackles back and works hard for the team. He is brilliant and sometimes it goes unnoticed.

"We were more positive in the second half. In the last five to 10 minutes we should have kept hold of the ball better.

"It's encouraging and very positive to get into the quarters. We are not firing on all cylinders yet so that's pleasing."

And Wayne Rooney, who played a full match for the first time since breaking his foot in April, said: "It was difficult but I was feeling fine. I've been working on my fitness and it has paid off.

"I think I've played well in the three games I have had and all I need now is a goal."