STUTTGART, Germany -- England played poorly once again and won, but Sven Goran Eriksson's men are unlikely to get away with anymore woeful performances such as this one if they are to reach the World Cup final.
England's captain David Beckham (left) celebrates his goal with teammate Ashley Cole during the England vs. Ecuador match at the Gottlieb-Daimler stadium in Stuttgart on Sunday.
Captain David Beckham bent in a trademark free-kick from 35 meters on the hour mark as England moved past Ecuador 1-0, heading to the quarterfinals, but it was turgid stuff -- following on from equally woeful displays in its first-round matches.