Match Summary

Liechtenstein Team

England Team

After the frustration of Macedonia and the disappointment of Australia. England got back on the winning trail with a professional performance to record a 2-0 victory against opposition that refused to be overawed by the prospect of matching themselves against the likes of Beckham and Owen.

England were brisk at the start, with Becks, Dyer and Neville prominent, but Owen's 28th-minute opener actually came at a time when England's momentum looked to be waning a little. It was a well-worked goal, emanating from the right flank. Becks released the rampaging Heskey and he produced a deft cross that was met by Owen's textbook header six yards out.

Really England should have doubled their lead soon afterwards. Twice in two minutes long balls found Becks and Heskey in one-on-ones with Liechtenstein 'keeper Jehle. While the skipper failed to control the ball properly for his chance, Heskey had a penalty appeal turned down following Jehle's challenge on him.

However, it was by no means all one-way traffic and the home front pairing of Bent and Frick had a number of half-chances throughout the game, most of which were created through their own desire and determination. England knew that such a narrow lead would remain an uncomfortable one and started the second half in business-like fashion.

At this stage England were clearly dominating and another goal was surely not too far away. And so it proved. You may know what Becks wants to do with his free-kicks as he steps up to the ball 25 yards from goal...but stopping him doing it is another matter entirely. He stuck a pearler of a kick on 53 minutes, bending his effort with pace around the wall and in off Jehle's left-hand post. Even the home fans were in awe.

A young man called Rooney was also given a run-out in the Rheinpark, being brought into the action on 78 minutes. Brian Kidd had a long chat with him on the touchline and Sven too had a precise word or two to impart. The coaches were keen to ease Wayne into his England career but sometimes talent demands opportunity.

The locals gave their side a standing ovation at the end. This was the biggest game in their country's history. For England it was rather more a case of "job done". - The Football Association Yearbook 2003-04, p45.

Source Notes

BBC Sport
TheFA.com
FA Library
Roland Ospelt, Chief  Executive Officer of the Liechtensteiner Fussballverband
Football Association Yearbook 2003-04
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CG