David Beckham got England's World Cup campaign off to a winning start by setting up the early goal that clinched an unconvincing 1-0 Group B victory against Paraguay in Frankfurt.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's men then struggled to create clear opportunities - and also took off striker Michael Owen early in the second half - but held on to claim three points with the win.

Steven Gerrard was named in the starting XI by England boss Eriksson after the Liverpool skipper sufficiently recovered from the stiff back which has recently hampered him.