England Need a Point to Escape Group of Death at World Cup

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, June 11, 2002

England Need a Point to Escape Group of Death at World Cup

England need only a point in Wednesday's final Group F match with Nigeria in Osaka, Japan so as to survive the Group of Death of the World Cup finals co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

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England need only a point in Wednesday's final Group F match with Nigeria in Osaka, Japan so as to survive the Group of Death of the World Cup finals co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

With four points to their credit after Friday's 1-0 win over Argentina, England should secure a place in the second round against a less favored Nigerian side.

Head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has repeatedly warned his team not to let their guard down against the Nigerians, who have displayed some wonderful football in the tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea. "It would be very stupid and very dangerous," he said. "We have to treat it like a final.

"Nigeria have zero points but they have very good players and they can play football, there's no doubt about that."

Eriksson is worrying injury-caused absence by Owen Hargreaves, which has left him with just two midfielders in reserve.

Trevor Sinclair, who replaced Haregeaves on Friday, should start on the left side of midfield alongside Manchester United trio Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and skipper David Beckham.

Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu is not expected to play after damaging ribs and an ankle in their opening defeat to Argentina.

However, as in the game against Sweden, he may still make a substitute's appearance to play against his Arsenal teammates and England defenders, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell.

England can afford to lose 1-0 on Wednesday provided Argentina, on three points, got no more than a 0-0 or 1-1 draw with group leaders Sweden in Miyagi.

It is all a far cry from the second half of England's 1-1 draw with Sweden, when they were outplayed and left clinging on to what is now a priceless point.

Probable teams:

England: 1-David Seaman; 2-Danny Mills, 5-Rio Ferdinand, 6-Sol Campbell, 3-Ashley Cole; 7-David Beckham (capt), 21-Nicky Butt, 8- Paul Scholes, 4-Trevor Sinclair; 11-Emile Heskey, 10-Michael Owen

Nigeria: 1-Ike Shorunmu; 14-Ifeanyi Udeze, 6-Taribo West, 5- Isaac Okoronkwo, 3-Celestine Babayaro; 2-Joseph Yobo, 10-Jay Jay Okocha, 15-Justice Christopher; 9-Bartholomew Ogbeche, 17-Julius Aghahowa, 21-John Utaka

Match referee: Brian Hall (United States)

Linesmen: Hector Vergara (Canada)

Evzen Amler (Czech Republic)

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