WALES captain Gary Speed will be England's biggest fan over the next 12 months.

By topping their qualifying group, the 'Auld Enemy' could open the door to the World Cup finals.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat means that Wales have picked up just two points from their first three qualifying games.

The sequence that leaves them four points adrift of second-placed Poland.

The group winners will qualify automatically for Germany 2006, with the eventual runners-up going into a two-legged play-off.

With top spot already looking out of reach, Speed has admitted that England could do their neighbours a huge favour by taking maximum points from their four other Group Six opponents.

"England are the quality team in the group and they showed just what a good group of players they've got," said the former Newcastle midfielder."

Speed, who equalled Terry Yorath's record as he captained Wales for the 43rd time at Old Trafford, added: "I hope they go on to win the group now.

"It would certainly help us in terms of finishing in second because we really need them to beat everybody else.

"But we need to be winning our own games before we think about what other people are doing.

"We've got to start picking up points soon, otherwise it's going to be too late."

Wales were expected to pose a physical threat if nothing else, but Mark Hughes's side failed to unsettle England during a strangely subdued affair.

Speed admitted his side allowed their opponents far too much space, but felt they were simply beaten by the better team.

"It's all very well talking about being physical, but we were never really close enough to them to do anything about it.

"We gave them a lot of space on the ball and, if they're getting a lot of time on the ball, you can't really push up the pitch and try to put any pressure on.

"When they've got quality players like Wayne Rooney, they're always going to cause problems if you give them that much time.

"It's very disappointing, but sometimes the disappointment is eased by the knowledge that you've been beaten by a better team.

"I don't think you could fault our effort - we'll always battle away when we play for Wales - but England's quality showed through in the end."

* Middlesbrough striker Szilard Nemeth was on target as Slovakia overcame a half-time deficit to beat Latvia 4-1