After a tight match with few goalscoring opportunities, Ray Parlour so nearly sealed the game just three minutes from time with a shot that hit the cross bar, and bounced down close to the line. This time, unlike in 1966, the call went against England, and despite strong pressure in the final minutes, the match finished goalless.

Earlier, Finland looked to have survived a major scare when goalkeeper Antti Niemi clipped Teddy Sheringham just outside the area. But the referee produced only a yellow card and nothing came of the opening.

Manchester United duo Sheringham and Cole both had shots saved by the Finnish 'keeper in the first half, but England's territorial superiority paid no dividends.

David Seaman had little to do, but later in the second half was called upon to make a block from Mikkel Forsell, the Chelsea youngster on loan to Crystal Palace.

Howard Wilkinson replaced Sheringham and Gareth Barry with Steve McManaman and Wes Brown after 70 minutes, but only Parlour's late strike looked like achieving a break-through.

So, make-shift England had to settle for a point, and now lie 5 points behind group leaders Germany. The decision-making process for the new England coach now begins, with the new man needing a great share of luck.

England skipper Martin Keown did not have a clear view of the Parlour shot but said: "It shows we could have done with a bit of luck and we did not get it on the night.

"All credit to the lads. We had a go. It was a great run from Parlour - and he grew as the night went on.

Keown said: "I think Teddy would have scored had the keeper not taken him out. We thought he might have been sent off but it wasn't to be.

"It is difficult away from home anywhere. But we passed the ball and looked like the best team out there. I look back on the captaincy as a proud day for my family and friends but I would have liked a win."