By Gary Spate
August 22 2003

DAVID Beckham gave English football fans plenty to cheer about on Wednesday as the Real Madrid superstar scored England's first goal and assisted in the second as the Three Lions roared their way to a good 3-1 friendly victory over Croatia. Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town, was packed to the rafters on Wednesday evening as the England national team entertained Croatia in a friendly match.

England skipper Beckham opened the scoring on 10 minutes from the penalty spot after Josip Simunic had handled the ball.

The former Old Trafford favourite also played his part in England's second goal on 51 minutes. A trademark cross from the man-of-many-hairdos was headed home at the far post by Liverpool ace Michael Owen.

On 78 minutes the Croatians managed a consolation goal in the 78th minute before Frank Lampard's crashing 25-yard drive a few minutes later increased England's lead to 3-1.

Coach Eriksson said: "One goal and one assist and his [Beckham's] delivery, as always, was world class. That's why Real Madrid wanted him."

Beckham said: "It's always nice to get a win and a few goals for the fans - they were great - and it's nice to get on the scoresheet.

"I think we played some good football at the start but opened up a bit too much at the end of the half. 'Jamo' [David James] kept us in it with some great saves - he had a great game.

"It's good to put in a good performance. We're working hard ahead of the qualifiers and Croatia came here and gave us a hard game."

The only bad point of the game was the first-half ankle injury to Nicky Butt which may see the midfielder miss Manchester United's visit to Newcastle on Saturday.

Man-of-the-match David James said: "I could have been twice as busy and not let any in. I'm very satisfied. They were a decent side."

Eriksson said: "We beat a very good team and that was good preparation ahead of the games against Macedonia and Liechtenstein."

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