By MSN's Matt Ball
Last updated June 11 2006
For England fans it is fortunate that it is the result that counts rather than the way you play. This was the poorest quality match of World Cup 2006 so far but with Sweden only drawing with Trinidad & Tobago, England have somehow ended up in control of Group B.
After a confident start England ended the first half 1-0 ahead and looking good. David Beckham's free-kick had been deflected in by Paraguay defender Gamarra for an own goal. But in the second half the Three Lions faded in the Frankfurt sunshine and did just enough to hang on for victory and a three valuable points.
The main highlight was Joe Cole's performance. He was a constant threat down the left wing in the first half and combined well with full back Ashley Cole. Even when he was moved into a more central role after Michael Owen was substituted he was still influential.
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Paul Robinson 8
Saved anything Paraguay shot in his direction.
Gary Neville 6
Solid but gave away possession.
Ashley Cole 6
Got forward more than Neville but still prone to the odd error.
Rio Ferdinand 6
No major mistakes but headed the ball under no pressure to the opposition too many times.
John Terry 7
Had a better game than Rio
David Beckham 7
Good delivery from corners and free-kicks but went missing towards the end of the match.
Steven Gerrard 6
Rave reviews from the commentators but often caught out of position when he should have been in front of his defenders.
Frank Lampard 6
A quiet game but forced the Paraguay goalkeeper to make some smart saves with his long range shots.
Joe Cole 8
A good performance from a player who is getting better and better.
Michael Owen 7
Did not deserve to be substituted early in the second half.
Peter Crouch 6
A reasonable game. Often penalised by fussy referee.
Substitutes
Stuart Downing 6
Came on for Owen and made a few good runs down the left wing.
Owen Hargreaves 5
Sorry Owen, the fans don't like you and you did not do anything to change their minds this time.
The rest
Sven-Goran Eriksson 5
Bizarre substitutions that did nothing to make England fans feel like there is a plan B.
Referee Marco Rodriguez 4
I hate writing bad things about match officials but the chap from Mexico had a poor game.
Suggested tabloid headline: Heat is on Sven as England wilt.
