"It was an ugly performance but it was what we wanted and we'll take ugly performances," added the England captain.

    Later on, Steven Gerrard tried to bend a shot inside the far post from 25 yards out, but the shot lacked the height and went out for a goal kick.

England's David Beckham (L) falls down with Ecuador's Edwin Tenorio during the round of 16 football match at World Cup 2006 in Stuttgart, Germany, June 25, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    Lampard ran onto a loose ball in the center of pitch and fired, but his shot was easily stopped by goalkeeper Mora.

    Five minutes later, Beckham's free kick from 30 yards just missed the target wide as Mora would have had no chance to stop it.

    "We have not performed as well as we can do but it will come later," added Beckham.

    England found their pace in the second half as Gerrard broke down the left and sent in a cross that keeper Mora was nowhere to stop.

    Fortunately for Ecuador, no one was on the end of it. Enditem

England's David Beckham (L) jubilates for his goal with teammate Ashley Cole.	England's Wayne Rooney (C) vies for the ball with Ecuador's Ivan Hurtado (R).