Team England maintained their place at the top of Group 6 but were made to fight all the way by a committed Azerbaijan side, desperate to regain some pride after a 8-0 defeat the previous weekend.

After the impressive victory against Northern Ireland, England fans might have arrived at St. James’ Park expected another goal-fest but the well-organised opposition soon banished those thoughts.

After a frustrating first-half, the breakthrough finally came when Steven Gerrard smashed home a volley off the crossbar. A second soon followed from captain Beckham and, after that, it was a case of playing out time for the 2-0 win. England are still unbeaten and still on top. – 30 March 2005