A Carlos Gamarra own goal gave England a 1-0 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener on Saturday afternoon.

The defender headed David Beckham's free-kick past his own goalkeeper just three minutes into the Group B clash in Frankfurt.

And that was enough to give Sven-Goran Eriksson's men the three points, despite an unconvincing display.

They dominated the first half but failed to fire in a scrappy second period after changing formations after the substitution of Michael Owen.

England started with their expected 4-4-2 look after Steven Gerrard was passed fit following a back injury.

And within three minutes of kick-off they were celebrating the perfect start.

Beckham swung in a dangerous free-kick from 40 yards out into the box and Gamarra could only flick the ball past goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Just four minutes later there was more misery for Paraguay when Villar had to go off after being injured making a clearance from Owen.

He was replaced by Aldo Bobadilla, but England failed to really test him in the remainder of the first period despite enjoying plenty of possession.

Their crossing in particular was poor with the final ball denying Peter Crouch the opportunity to use his aerial prowess.

Paraguay meanwhile created little with Roque Santa Cruz, selected despite only just recovering from a serious knee injury, ineffective.

They did go close in first-half stoppage time though when Nelson Valdez fired a low volley just wide of Paul Robinson's goal.

The second half was scrappy, particularly after Owen was replaced by Stewart Downing.

Although the excellent Joe Cole did try to support Crouch the front two were isolated.

Lampard did twice test Bobadilla from outside the box, the second of them producing a fine save from the Paraguay substitute goalkeeper.

Paraguay meanwhile again failed to create much despite having more possession.

The closest they came to an equaliser came when Robinson failed to hold a cross but then pressured Carlos Paredes into firing the rebound over the bar.

But England duly took the three points to open their Group B campaign in satisfactory style.