A THREE goal first-half blast from England has put them through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

After just five minutes Rio Ferdinand got on to a Beckham corner at the back post and headed in his first goal for his country.

Then after twenty minutes Owen turned in the box and fired a shot into the corner of the goal.

And in the last minute of the first-half Heskey finished off a sweeping move with a low shot past Sorensen.

The second-half was played at a slow pace and England defended well, keeping the ball under control.

Owen went off at half-time with a slight groin strain, but he should be fit for the coming game.

England manager Eriksson is looking forward to the quarter-finals he said: "We don't care who we face in the next game, this has been a World Cup full of shocks.

"We now have six days to rest and get any injuries sorted out and work on the next game."

The result sets up the possibility of England facing Brazil, if the South Americans get past Belguim, on Friday.