Beckham helps England overcome Estonia
Owen, Beckham and Cole celebrate the 3-0 win
Wednesday, 06, Jun 2007 10:33
David Beckham created two goals as England eased the pressure on Steve McClaren with a 3-0 win over Estonia in Euro 2008 qualifying Group E in Tallinn.
Joe Cole, Peter Crouch and Michael Owen were the scorers as England eased to victory, having worked hard to achieve the breakthrough towards the end of the first half.
The visitors had the best of the opening exchanges as Beckham went close with a free kick while Frank Lampard spurned a chance from Crouch's knockdown.
Vladimir Voskoboinikov had the best of Estonia's chances but Ledley King was on hand to block his effort.
Then, seven minutes from the break, Cole opened the scoring for England following a long throw-in from Wayne Bridge.
The Chelsea midfielder collected Crouch's headed flick on his chest, swivelled, and struck the ball on the volley into the back of the net from the edge of the box.
England survived a scare before the end of the half when King slipped and allowed Voskoboinikov a chance to equalise but Paul Robinson was out of his goal quickly to foil the Estonian.
Crouch made it 2-0 early in the second half. The Liverpool front man guided Beckham's cross over goalkeeper Mart Poom.
With a two goal cushion England were able to relax and they soon added to their lead.
Beckham again was the provider for the third goal as his right-wing cross found Owen free in the box and the Newcastle man applied a deft touch with his right foot to slide the ball past Poom.
The home side nearly grabbed a consolation goal in injury-time but captain John Terry was able to clear off the line.
England remain in fourth place in the group on 14 points but are now just one point behind Russia and three behind leaders Croatia after seven games.