Slim victory enough for England

Frank Lampard's first-half penalty ensured England qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals with victory against Austria but the visitors made life tough in Manchester, especially after captain David Beckham was sent off.

Poland encounter
The win leaves England two points behind leaders Poland - who come to Old Trafford on Wednesday night. But both teams were assured of their passage to Germany on Saturday evening as the Czech Republic lost to the Netherlands in Group 1, meaning that whoever ends second in Group 6 of England and Poland will be one of the two best runners-up from across the eight pools and excused a play-off.

Caretaker coaches
Having lost to Northern Ireland last month, on the day Austria's qualification hopes ended with defeat by Poland, England were hoping for an improved performance and brought in Peter Crouch for suspended Wayne Rooney. Sol Campbell replaced Rio Ferdinand in defence and Luke Young and Jamie Carragher were the stand-in full-backs against an Austrian side under new caretaker coaching team Willi Ruttensteiner, Andreas Herzog and Slavko Kovacic.

Lampard converts
England began on top but Austria had the first real shot on target, Paul Robinson saving from Markus Kiesenebner. At the other end Jürgen Macho denied Michael Owen, but in the 24th minute the striker was tripped in the area by Paul Scharner and England's new penalty taker Lampard coolly converted.

Beckham off
Macho then caught a Crouch header and Beckham long-range effort, but Austria were gradually looking more comfortable by half-time, and early in the second period Roland Linz's lofted shot bounced off the crossbar after beating Robinson. On 57 minutes Beckham was booked for a foul on Andreas Ibertsberger, ensuring a suspension against Poland, but within seconds the captain was off after being ruled to have tripped the same player, making him the first man ever to be dismissed twice for England.

England hold on
Down to ten men, England responded well and Lampard twice forced Macho into action. Austria deployed an attacking formation in a search for an equaliser, but could not make a breakthrough and will need to draw at home against Northern Ireland on Wednesday to hold on to third place. England's celebrations were muted at the final whistle, but they can now start planning for Germany.