David Beckham made a triumphant return to England as Sven Goran Eriksson’s side warmed up for the next round of Euro 2004 qualifiers with a 3-1 win over Croatia on Wednesday.
Beckham, playing his first match in England since his transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, scored the first goal from the penalty spot — and set up the second for Michael Owen to the delight of the sell-out crowd at Ipswich’s Portman Road stadium.
Otto Baric’s side pulled a goal back 12 minutes time when Jerko Leko smashed home from close range but substitute Frank Lampard wrapped up an ultimately comfortable win moments later.
England looked vulnerable in defence for much of the first half against a lively young Croatian side, but they grew in confidence as the match wore on and produced a number of vibrant attacking moves.
Beckham, sporting two ponytails, took just nine minutes to stamp his mark on the match as he floated over a teasing cross from the right for Michael Owen.
There appeared to be little threat to the Croatian goal, but defender Josip Simunic inexplicably threw his arm in the air and blocked the ball.
Referee Claus Bo-Larsen had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Beckham converted clinically, firing the ball in off goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa’s right-hand post.
It was another unhappy experience in English football for Simunic, who broke his jaw playing for Hertha Berlin against Fulham after just three minutes of their Uefa Cup match in London last season.
England were lucky to escape a penalty appeal at the other end five minutes later when Chelsea defender John Terry, making his first start for the national team, appeared to handle a header by Marijo Maric.
Croatia responded positively to the goal and had a number of chances to draw level before the break — Rapaic went close with a header and then Maric forced a brilliant save by David James.
Six minutes after the interval, England stretched their lead when Beckham fired over a cross from the right for Owen who stole between two defenders to head home his 23rd international goal.
Croatia threatened a late comeback with Lekos’ strike, but Chelsea midfielder Lampard put the result beyond doubt when he rounded off a flowing move with a powerful 20-yard drive two minutes later. — Sapa-DPA