Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had yet another outstanding performance on Saturday afternoon ‘“ helping England overcome Paraguay 1-0 in their first game of the 2006 World Cup finals in Frankfurt, Germany.

Gerrard was commanding in midfield and although he had a few wayward shots, looked sharp and composed as England held on for the three points.

The only goal of the game came in just the third minute when Paraguay’s Carlos Gamarra touched on a David Beckham free-kick to send the ball past his own keeper. England went on to create several chances, and despite a tricky second half claimed the victory in the sweltering heat.

Reds striker Peter Crouch also played the full ninety minutes, also looking confident but often the victim of bad decisions by controversial Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez, who booked both Gerrard and Crouch.

England’s next game is on Thursday when they face Trinidad and Tobago.