MATCHES IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2001

15/8/01 England 0-2 Holland

The 100% record under Sven Goran Eriksson came to an end against Holland as they lost at a friendly in White Hart Lane. Holland dominated the period near the end of the first half scoring two goals within a minute, the first a Mark van Bommel goal from 35 yards, the second a Ruud van Nistelrooy goal from a rebound off a Boudewijn Zenden shot. The experimental line-up chosen by Eriksson never really settled into the match.

 

1/9/01 England 5-1 Germany

An outstanding performance by the English team with Michael Owen scoring a hat-trick and Emile Heskey and Steven Gerrard also scoring. Germany opened the scoring with Carsten Jancker scoring in the sixth minute but England dominated especially in the second half. An away victory in Munich with a surprising scoreline that took England to the top of the table in their World Cup qualifying group.

 

6/9/01 England 2-0 Albania

England continued their good form and top of the group position with this win over Albania, with goals scored by Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler at St James' Park. England did not play as well as earlier in the week against Germany but it was enough to secure victory against the determined visitors.

 

6/10/01 England 2-2 Greece

England  won this last World Cup qualifier to secure their place at the 2002 World Cup by winning their group. Greece played much better than previously in this group with goals from Haristeas and Nikolaidis. England struggled with substitute Teddy Sheringham scoring a goal just after arriving on the pitch. It was left to the England captain David Beckham who scored off a free kick in the dying seconds to secure the draw and the World Cup position as Germany could only draw with Finland.

 

10/11/01 England 1-1 Sweden

Another friendly, this time at White Hart Lane, with England only managing to draw after a David Beckham free kick was cancelled out by Hakan Mild. An experimental side with Sinclair and Anderton given a chance at the troublesome left midfield position and Danny Murphy playing in the midfield.

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