Denmark are next target

Millions breathed a sigh of relief today as England went through to the last 16 of the World Cup after a nailbiting 0-0 draw with Nigeria.

David Beckham and his team emerged as runnersup of the tournament's "Group of Death" after the country came to a breakfast-time standstill to cheer their heroes on.

Failing to win the group will be a disappointment. Sven-Goran Eriksson's side now face Denmark in the second round rather than the less-fancied Senegal. Should England win that game, they are likely to meet Brazil in the following round. Topping the group would have meant Japan were more likely opponents.

For all this, though, simply to qualify from Group F is an achievement in itself - a sentiment world champions France would echo after their elimination yesterday. England's old foe Argentina, meanwhile, are also on their way home after failing to beat Sweden. The game finished at 1-1.

Speaking after the game, Eriksson said: "It was very hot and very tough but that was okay. We knew Nigeria wanted to make it tough for us. I think they played well. We had more chances. I don't think it matters now. These African teams can keep the ball and made us run. Senegal and Nigeria are both good teams - but the fact is we have to beat Denmark."

Rio Ferdinand added: "We knew we would be in for a tough game and they did not disappoint us. We cannot wait for the game against Denmark. Our aim in this tournament is to go as far as possible. We are a young bunch and we are very much up for this game. There was enough pressure, everybody was expecting us to do well after the game against Argentina."

Today's game was played in sauna-like conditions in Osaka - the temperature was 34C (93F) and the humidity was even more of an obstacle as England failed to match the heights of their performance against Argentina in last Friday's acclaimed 1-0 win in Sapporo. The team enjoyed overwhelming support from the vocal 50,000 crowd in the Nagai stadium, with barely a green Nigeria shirt visible.

England were competent without being inspired - and struggled to create chances. After 10 minutes of the second half Beckham curled in a free kick that narrowly cleared the crossbar. Then Michael Owen came within inches of turning in a Heskey cross.

In Miyagi, one-time tournament favourites Argentina were sliding out of the competition but they did not go without a fight. England's match was played with a good deal less intensity. Nicky Butt had a snap shot saved after the ball broke to him in the box. Teddy Sheringham once again replaced Emile Heskey up front, coming on to cheers. But when a cross dropped at his feet only six yards out with only the goalkeeper to beat, the Tottenham striker hit the ball high over the bar.

Michael Owen was replaced by Darius Vassell with 12 minutes to go but his pace failed to create a meaningful opening. The closest chance was a cross from Ashley Cole which bounced along the crossbar. After the final whistle, the players hugged and exchanged shirts - a marked contrast to the ill-tempered scenes that followed the England-Argentina game. Nigeria's captain Jay Jay Okacha, retiring after today, was named man of the match - a sign that England had not been at their best.

Supporter Rob MacBeth, 28, from Leeds, said: "It wasn't a bad show but it's disappointing not to win the group. It would have been nice to avoid Brazil. I still think we can go all the way."

The team, the same which had started against Argentina but for West Ham's Trevor Sinclair replacing the injured Owen Hargreaves, were cheered on by almost constant songs: the themes from The Great Escape and The Italian Job among them. Fans who had paid as much as £500 to attend sang along.

The conditions did nothing to help the game. Jim George, an expatriate language teacher, said: "The humidity in the stadium was murder. Goodness knows what it was like for the players." The team bus had swept into the stadium 90 minutes before kick-off to a raucous reception from about 5,000 fans. Several hundred Japanese police were on duty.

Assistant Chief Constable Ron Hogg, the British officer advising Japanese police, said today he was "delighted with the behaviour of the fans so far". Sports Minister Richard Caborn had said he was "proud" of the behaviour of fans, adding that he would "do his damndest" to ensure it would continue at future tournaments.