Darius Vassell worked tirelessly.

<

ENGLAND<

David Seaman: A relatively comfortable day's work for the Arsenal goalkeeper who was surprisingly untroubled apart from a Marcus Allback snap-shot in the first period. But brought more into action as Sweden built in confidence. In the end, kept England in it. 7.

Danny Mills: Enjoyed some freedom down the right flank and linked well with Beckham. Provided cover for central defence when required but poor clearance from his own error offered Alexandersson his goal. 6.

Ashley Cole: Blistering first half effort deserved some reward for his solid work as the Arsenal man played confidently. But late error almost cost dearly before recovering well. 7.

Rio Ferdinand: Looked at ease at the back although challenge on Marcus Allback at start of second period had English hearts in mouths. Was afforded the opportunity to forage upfront too. 8.

Sol Campbell: Most experienced outfield player led by example with his excellent header to open the scoring and his own account for England. Dependable at the back in his more accustomed role. 9.

David Beckham: Lack of match practice showed before his second half substitution for Kieron Dyer in an unusually quiet game. 6.

Paul Scholes: Only became involved in the game in the second half but could still not offer the usual verve which accompanies his England displays. 6.

Emile Heskey: Failed to make any major impact on the left side of midfield when his pace and strength could have caused serious problems for Sweden. Only came to life when switched to more favoured position by Sven-Goran Eriksson. 7.

Owen Hargreaves: Looked composed for much of the game but the pace of his first World Cup finals game caught up with him . 7.

Michael Owen: A relatively quiet game for the Liverpool forward but swift strike from nothing with 20 minutes remaining at least served as a warning. 6.

Darius Vassell: Busied himself throughout the game and worked tirelessly for the England cause. Surprisingly swapped for Joe Cole after a very positive game. 8.

SUBS<

Kieron Dyer: Looked lively after Beckham's departure but did not have a major impact on the game. 5.

Joe Cole: Could not stamp his mark on the game after his introduction. 5.

<

<

SWEDEN<

Magnus Hedman: Possibly at fault for Campbell's goal but bred more confidence as game progressed. 6.

Olof Mellberg: Appeared uncomfortable in the opening 45 minutes but settled into position after the break. 6.

Johan Mjallby: Best of the Swedish defence but looked ill at ease at times when desperate clearances became the order of the day. 8.

Andreas Jakobsson: Found his feet in the second half and provided some good balls forward. 6.

Teddy Lucic: Offered some danger at set-pieces and was unfortunate not to score when set free by Larsson in second half. 6.

Tobias Linderoth: Has not featured regularly for Everton this season and barely featured at all in Saitama apart from first time effort which flew over the crossbar. 6.

Niclas Alexandersson: Everton midfielder showed little in the first period but stunning goal rocked England. 7.

Freddie Ljungberg: Could not re-create his Arsenal club form in less familiar role of provider but grew in stature in the second period. 6.

Magnus Svensson: A disappointing display for the midfielder which saw him replaced 10 minutes into the second half. 5.

Marcus Allback: Provided the only real first half threats with a strike which Seaman held comfortably and a snap-shot which flew over. 7.

Henrik Larsson: A distinct lack of service prevented the Celtic striker troubling Seaman in opening 45 minutes but wasted a good chance right at the end. 6.

SUBS<

Anders Svensson: Sweden looked more of a force with the introduction of the Southampton man. 7.

Andreas Andersson: Not on the field long enough to make a significant opportunity.