Say what you will about David Beckham, but England's captain not for the first time saved England from another dire performance against Ecuador last night. As ever, Beckham's goal came from a free kick, which he curled to perfection past the despairing Cristian Mora. It was a great goal, but it was also about the only positive contribution Beckham made to the game. He played poorly. But then again, so did just about everyone else in an England shirt but the defense, a theme for them in this World Cup. The press continues to persecute England for its listless performances. This, from the Sydney Morning Herald: "After three chronic displays in the group stage, where they were saved only by the modesty of the opposition, there was an expectation from the England fans that the team might fire up in the sudden-death phase. Wrong, again." It's a talented team, to be sure. Maybe it really is the heat? If they continue to play like this, they'll need start looking for excuses.

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