A DAVID Beckham penalty has given England a 1-0 win over Argentina in the Group F match in Sapporo.

A tight second half saw England defend deep inside their own box and come away with the win they were desperate for.

England's World Cup dream is now alive and well as they sit alongside Sweden on top of Group F.

A draw against Nigeria next Wednesday will be enough to secure their place in the last 16.

A performance beyond many fans' dreams saw a David Beckham penalty on 44 minutes give England a 1-0 advatage over Argentina at half-time.

England kept a good pace and Butt played his best game in an England shirt.

The penalty came about after Owen was tripped up in the box, after a good pass by Scholes.

Despite losing Hargreaves early in the first half, Sinclair came on and patroled down the left, looking lively.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson hailed England's spirit he said: "We created chances and we played with a big, big heart.

"I am very pleased. It was hard in the last 15 minutes when we were tired but we deserved to win."