PETER Beagrie had the honour of captaining England in the Seniors World Cup final yesterday against Scotland, and although he limped off early on, his side showed their class and romped to a 4-0 victory.
Beagrie has been at his mercurial best throughout the tournament, scoring three goals and proving to be a constant thorn in his opponents' side. When he was substituted, the Scots must have felt they had a real chance.
However England, who went into the game following a thumping 4-0 semi final win over Iran, were not about to let the loss of one of their star players derail their chances.
The first half was tight, but England reached the break 1-0 in front after Mark Saunders, the replacement captain, nodded home a corner from the right.
Just before the hour mark, England doubled their lead. A long ball down the right was well-controlled by Steve Jones and he knocked it into the box for ex-Guiseley midfielder Lee Elam.
Elam drove to the byline before sliding a perfect ball across the face of goal for Jason Price to tap in at the back post from a couple of yards out.
England then wrapped up the game with a devastating two minute spell. The ball was fed into Jones, who produced a sublime flick to send Elam scampering through on goal.
He drew the Scotland goalkeeper and lifted it over him for 3-0. Jones then got the goal his performance deserved after he raced onto a long ball over the top before slotting it calmly into the net.
England have not won the FIFA World Cup for 52 years, but their Veterans side have had much more success in recent times. Yesterday's victory ensured they have won the tournament three years in a row.
Watch Elam's goal here:
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