England claimed all three points in Manchester with a two-nil win over Liechtens

England claimed all three points in Manchester with a two-nil win over Liechtenstein. Though the fans would have expected more, Sven's men moved to the top of Group 7. TheFA.com takes a look at the individual displays of the players who took them there, leaving England needing a draw in Istanbul next month to qualify for Euro 2004...

1. David James

A relative spectator throughout but was alive to the rare opportunities to use his gloves. Claimed when he had to, which was no more than twice, and saved well to his left just before the end. First clean-sheet since Turkey.

2. Gary Neville

Enjoyed a little more freedom than usual down a fragile right-hand side. Spent more time in the Liechtenstein box than his own team's but his final ball was too hospitable without hurting the visitors.

3. Wayne Bridge

A chance for Wayne to stake a claim in the left-back slot having come in for Ashley Cole. Like Neville, was running forward more than back, and supplied a number of teasing crosses, though Roger Beck in the Liechtenstein Number 7 jersey offered little resistance.

4. Steven Gerrard

Played in the heart of the midfield three and patrolled as the holding man. Didn't get forward enough in the first half, but his first two forays after the break brought with them two goals. His presence and directness was just too much for the visitors. Never once looked like getting the 'dreaded booking'.

5. John Terry

Saw a fair amount of the ball for a defender that was never stretched. Always comfortable in possession, Terry looked focussed in his role alongside a player with similar experience. His strength never gave Liechtenstein a chance.

6. Matthew Upson

Looking good in an England shirt and worked well with Terry. The only time he was caught the wrong side of the forwards was swiftly followed by a great tackle inside the box. Commanding tonight and has great potential, but is probably still behind Campbell in Sven's pecking order.

7. David Beckham (Captain)

Was good going forward but with the yellow card hanging over his head didn't want to fall foul of the law. Was not hunting the ball down like usual but almost found the net from open play - had the crossbar and the linesman's flag not intervened.

8. Frank Lampard

Classy touches from the Chelsea man as he looked to play around Liechtenstein. Efficient in the midfield, but perhaps should have pulled the trigger a couple of times. Instead, he opted to keep possession. Subtlety isn't always essential.

9. Wayne Rooney 

He'll face more proficient defenders in the future, but Wayne would have enjoyed terrorising the Liechtensteiners here. Always a threat, both attacking down the centre or from out wide. Supplied wicked crosses, scored a goal and got a standing ovation. There'll be more of those.

10. Michael Owen

We've seen Owen sharper than this. Could have had a hat-trick, but was looking for another solo effort like his one in St Etienne. However, he was magnificent in the air, winning a number of high balls and added to his ever-growing collection of headed goals.

11. James Beattie

Kept on trying but it just wouldn't come off for the Southampton man. A constant danger with his head and on the ground, but couldn't get the goal he desperately wanted. A decent enough run-out though, giving him his first 90 minutes in an England shirt.

Substitutes

12. Phil Neville (for Gerrard, 58')

Came on for Gerrard and was neat and tidy in the middle. Nothing spectacular, but no mistakes.

15. Owen Hargreaves (for Beckham, 58)

A talented midfielder, filling in for Beckham on the right. Keeping things very simple, the Bayern Munich man didn't threaten like he can, but was close to earning his first England goal with a fine volley that flashed just wide.

17. Joe Cole (for Rooney, 70)

Provided a bit of magic for the last 20 minutes in place of Rooney. Lots of tricks in the right places which worried the Liechtenstein defence. Was looking to add to his goal in Leicester and almost scored with an inswinger. The competitive experience was good for him.