Skipper David Beckham hit a second half rocket to earn England a 2-1 victory over Finland.
Beckham capped a superb display with a fierce right-footed shot to settle a thrilling World Cup qualifier at Anfield.
The visitors went ahead on 27 minutes when Gary Neville deflected a header past David Seaman.
But Liverpool striker Michael Owen equalised on his home ground two minutes before half-time.
Beckham's right-foot screamer on 50 minutes - his first goal for England for nearly three years- gave the Finnish keeper no chance.
Seaman made a superb save from Liverpool's Jari Litmanen to deny the Finns a late equaliser.
England's first victory in the qualifying campaign lifted them into second place in Group Nine.
Sven Goran Eriksson's team must now be favourites to at least secure a play-off spot in the battle to reach the World Cup.
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