Beckham shines as England draw

The 32-year-old was cheered lustily from the pitch when when he was substituted in the 77th minute, after his return to the England fold was highlighted by his pinpoint 68th-minute free-kick which found his successor to the captain's armband, John Terry, who duly headed in the opening goal.

That moment of creativity looked as though it would be enough to ensure England enjoyed a winning return to Wembley, however, some slack marking allowed the highly-skilled visitors from Brazil to claim a deserved injury-time equaliser as substitute Diego headed home.

For the first half, Brazil dominated the attacking play with England reliant mainly on familiar set-piece situations.

Brazil skipper Gilberto Silva headed the ball into the England net only to see his goal ruled out - even though it appeared it was Vagner Love rather than the Arsenal midfielder who had strayed offside.

Gerrard, fresh from an almighty challenge on Kaka near the England 18-yard line, then charged forward and won a free-kick on the edge of the 'D'. The clock stood at 29mins 15secs and Beckham stepped up. A dip of the shoulder, the trademark curl and...just a whisker past the post. Certainly Helton in the Brazil goal thought it had gone in.

Brazil were not to be outdone and a bewitching spell of close inter-passing between Kaka and Ronaldinho so bewildered Jamie Carragher that the Liverpool defender ended up trying to grab the ball with his hand.

Paul Robinson had hardly been called upon but when he was, it was with some brilliance. Ronaldinho first-time shot from Kaka's pass took a deflection off King and Robinson somehow managed to react quick enough to pull off a stupendous save.

Finally, in the 68th minute, cometh the hour, cometh the men. Beckham, from out on the right, delivered a pinpoint free-kick to the far post allowing Terry to guide the ball past Helton with his head. It was the Chelsea defender's third goal for England.

Brazil so nearly equalised when Wes Brown, with his first touch after coming on for Terry, stumbled and allowed Afonso to sneak in but he could only steer the ball wide. Finally, some hopeless marking did let Brazil in. Gilberto Silva lofted the ball into the box in injury wide and with King out of position Werder Bremen's Diego came surging in to head low past Robinson.