By England schoolboys U18s captain Craig Heenighan.

"ENGLAND were looking to show the form against Ecuador many believed could take them to World Cup glory.

"They started with a good tempo and had the South Americans on the back foot early on with Wayne Rooney the lone striker and Michael Carrick the holding midfielder.

"A poor headed clearance by usually reliable John Terry allowed Carlos Tenario through on goal. If it wasn't for Ashley Cole racing back 20 yards to get in a vital block to divert the ball onto the bar, England would have been behind.

"Ecuador gained in confidence while Wayne Rooney chased lost causes.

"The second half began with Steven Gerrard making penetrating runs which lifted the tempo. Rooney created a great chance out of nothing, nut-mugging a defender wide on the left and crossing only for Frank Lampard to blast over.

"England's solitary goal came from a trademark David Beckham free-kick into the bottom corner and they held on without being fully tested.

"Portugal are up next and even without Deco they represent a much sterner test. England, once again, must improve."