They shall not pass

As soon as David Beckham drilled one of the riskiest penalties you could ever see past the Argentina goalkeeper, Pablo Cavallero, England knew what was coming. But they were ready for it. The Argentinian backlash met more than its match in the English fighting spirit, as 11 backs in red shirts found themselves right up against the wall.

44 minutes: The wild celebrations have just died down and the England players are returning to their stations. They know that, unlike four years ago in St Etienne when they conceded late in the first half, they must hang on until the break.

45: Two minutes of added on time have been played when Rio Ferdinand heads a corner clear. England have survived Argentina's last attack of the half.

45: While England decide to field the same side that finished the first half, they receive a massive psychological boost when Argentina bring on Pablo Aimar in place of their captain for the day, Juan Sebastian Veron. Is he injured or is it tactical? Either way, England's methods seem to be doing the trick.

46: Within seconds of coming on, Aimar shows England what they will be faced with for the second period. He manufactures space for himself on the edge of the area and fires in a shot that David Seaman gets down low to save. Nicky Butt realises that he is going to have to stick very close to Aimar.

48: England are under the cosh, happy to soak up the pressure and then deliver long balls over the top of Argentina's defence to catch them on the break. Michael Owen gathers a clearance, spins clear of Diego Placente and finds himself in space eight yards from goal, but shoots wide.

54: Following a short spell of Argentinian possession, Gabriel Batistuta gathers the ball on the edge of the D and, after dummying the England defence, turns back on himself to unleash a right-footed drive. His shot is high and wide.

55: Arguably the best chance of the period falls to the captain, Beckham, as he gets in front of Placente inside the area, but misses the target with a shot with the outside of his right foot. The England defence prepare for the next onslaught.

56: To underline justwhat is needed until the end of the match, Sven Goran Eriksson brings on Teddy Sheringham in place of Emile Heskey. England now require a link-up man to drop into midfield.

58: Having won back possession inside their own half, England show surprising maturity by not hoofing the ball clear at the first opportunity, unlike in the Sweden game. A superb 17-pass move ends with Sheringham volleying fiercely straight at Cavallero from the edge of the box.

60: Double trouble for England's tiring defence as Hernan Crespo replaces Batistuta and then Claudio Lopez comes on for Kily Gonzalez.

66: The England supporters' band suddenly pick up again. They know the next 20 minutes or so are going to be tough. Argentina win an indirect free-kick 30 yards out. The lay-off gives a fired-up Paul Scholes enough time to rush out of the wall and bravely block the shot.

68: Aimar fires over the England crossbar from the edge of the area after a good Argentina move.

70: England's chances are few and far between, but Sheringham rises above his marker to head just wide from a Beckham set-piece. That second goal simply will not come, and England give the impression that they are now going to try to hold on rather than add to their lead.

73: Ariel Ortega skips past Ashley Cole on the England left and delivers a dangerous cross towards Juan Sorin at the near post. England's keeper Seaman, dives out and gathers the ball.

78: England are dropping further and further back. Argentina win a corner. Mauricio Pochettino rises higher than everyone to head what looks like a certain equaliser. But Seaman makes a brilliantly reflex save on his line.

80: Eriksson brings on extra cover, the Southampton defender, Wayne Bridge, for Owen. England will play in a 4-5-1 formation for the last 10 minutes.

84: A long ball catches out the England defence, but Seaman anticipates well ahead of Crespo to the relief of the exhausted centre-backs.

87: England are clinging on, happy to let Argentina have the ball and try long-distance shots. Aimar sends an effort high over the bar.

90: The fourth official signals two minutes of injury-time. Memories of Ireland's late, late equaliser against Germany keep the England defence focused.

92: Argentina have eight men lurking inside England's area for Aimar's ultimate cross. The England rearguard must stand firm one more time. Thankfully, Aimar's cross, like the Argentinian performance, drifts off target. England have held on for a famous victory.