Woe for Batistuta and Argentina (Allsport).

By John Curtis, PA Sport, Osaka

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Teddy Sheringham revelled in Argentina's shock exit from the World Cup - but confessed that he wished it had been England who had driven the final nail into their coffin.

Sheringham could barely contain his delight after hearing that Sweden would be accompanying England into the second phase rather than joint pre-tournament favourites Argentina.

It was further revenge for England after their 1-0 win in the Sapporo Dome last Friday for the way the Argentinians had mocked them and their families after the defeat in France '98.

Sheringham, whose experience was again called upon as a second half substitute in the goalless draw with Nigeria in Osaka, said: "It was very sweet to see Argentina go out.

"It was just a shame that we couldn't have knocked them out directly ourselves.

"If we see them on their coach on the way home, we will give them a wave!

"It was not such a big deal because we haven't done it ourselves. If the fixtures had been the other way around and we'd played them and they'd have gone out, then it would have been great to walk off and see their faces.

"It was not to be, but we are through to the next round with a very professional performance and that's great."

Sheringham believes that England now have a chance of World Cup glory with the exit of Argentina and holders France at the first hurdle, although he knows it would be foolish to underestimate any opposition.

He said: "With two big teams out, there's just a thought that we've got a chance now. When you start off and look at the group stages you think 'that's going to be tough' but now two of those tough sides have gone.

"But it's the same as the FA Cup every year. You look at it and think 'we've got a chance now' and then you come unstuck against someone that you shouldn't do."

Sheringham was full of praise for the way England secured the point against Nigeria that set up Saturday's meeting with Denmark and is relieved that the sweltering heat in Osaka will not be a factor with an evening kick-off in Niigata.

He said: "There were four very strong teams in this group and we've come through with flying colours.

"It was a little bit nervy at times in the first 15 minutes against Nigeria. But on the whole we deserved to go through and after that initial period we dealt with things very comfortably.

"It was hot out there but it's the humidity that saps your energy. I think the boys showed that in the first half, but they did well to come back and produce the goods in the second period.

"We've got to play a day earlier now than if we had topped the group but we will be playing on the Saturday evening when the temperatures should not be as high.

"If we had come out on top, we would have been playing in the afternoon against another African side in Senegal in the boiling heat."