England 1-0 Paraguay
PA - ESPN
David Beckham got England's World Cup campaign off to a winning start by setting up the early goal that clinched an unconvincing 1-0 Group B victory against Paraguay in Frankfurt.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's men then struggled to create clear opportunities -- and also took off striker Michael Owen early in the second half -- but held on to claim three points with the win.
Steven Gerrard was named in the starting XI by England boss Eriksson after the Liverpool skipper sufficiently recovered from the stiff back which has recently hampered him.
Gerrard had barely settled into the game when England snatched the lead, with Beckham taking advantage of a free-kick on the left flank after Joe Cole was fouled by Delio Toledo.
England skipper Beckham whipped in a delightful third-minute set-piece and the ball went in off the head of Paraguay skipper Carlos Gamarra, with Eriksson's men expected to go on and compile a big score.
They saw plenty of the ball but Paraguay remained in the game, with Carlos Paredes getting his shot deflected wide of Paul Robinson's post by one of his own players.
Cristian Riveros forced Robinson into a regulation save from 25 yards, with Gerrard earning a yellow card for his challenge on the midfielder, while referee Marco Rodriguez also booked Nelson Valdez midway through the first half.
Frank Lampard then tested Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar which a long-range effort, while Gerrard and Cole both managed to continue despite requiring treatment after robust challenges.
In fact, it was striker Owen -- who has recently returned from a broken foot -- who was taken off 10 minutes into the second half, although it was unclear if he was injured and reports suggested the switch was tactical.
England looked short on options in attack with just Peter Crouch leading the line, although Beckham shot wide and Cole had a tame effort from long distance which was saved by Villar.
Paraguay had earlier threatened in the injury-time of the first half -- Valdez had flashed a volley wide -- and on the hour mark Paredes volleyed over after Robinson had failed to hold a cross.
The South Americans were gaining a foothold in the game but, despite England failing to gain momentum, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for an equaliser.
With 18 minutes remaining Lampard received a ball from Stewart Downing, who had come on for Owen, but the Chelsea midfielder's shot was tipped over the bar by Villar. Lampard forced another save with a late volley.