David Beckham celebrates his 2001 free-kick against Greece to send England to the 2002 World Cup
Q is for Qualifiers
Monday, 16 July 2007.
Boasting a record of reaching 19 major tournaments, England have enjoyed some of their most memorable moments as they aim to reach Finals tournaments, so today Q is for Qualifiers.
In September 2001, England travelled to Munich to face a Germany side in pole position to qualify for the World Cup in Korean and Japan, needing a win to overhaul them and avoid the tension of the play-offs.
A victory was hoped for, but not expected, from Sven-Goran Eriksson's side. What followed was a spectacular 5-1 England romp that sent shockwaves throughout the football world.
A superb Michael Owen hat-trick, and goals from Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey, condemned the Germans to their biggest defeat since 1958.
One recent supporters' poll placed this match higher than the 1966 World Cup Final win over West Germany!
Later in that 2001 campaign, an outstanding performance from David Beckham - climaxed by a dramatic last-gasp free-kick - earned a 2-2 draw against Greece at Old Trafford to ensure World Cup qualification.
Another qualifier that will live long in the memory came in 1997 when England went to Rome requiring a draw against Italy to book their passage to France for the 1998 World Cup.
Glenn Hoddle's side showed a bulldog spirit, personified by bloodied captain Paul Ince, as they battled for the point they needed in a nail-biting goalless draw.
Wayne Rooney announced himself on the international scene with a bang in the 2-0 defeat of Turkey at Sunderland's Stadium of Light en route to qualification for the 2004 European Championships in Portugal.
A magnificent virtuoso display from the youngster, coupled with goals from skipper Beckham and Darius Vassell, enthralled the Wearside crowd.