Nervous spectator: Kevin Keegan looks on

It may not have been a vintage performance by Keegan's men - but none of their fans will be complaining after England finally earned some luck against the Germans and clinched victory with a dogged display.

A draw against Romania next Tuesday will take England through to the last eight behind group winners Portugal.

Shearer headed what proved the winner on 53 minutes, after David Beckham's fizzing free-kick had caused chaos in the German area, eluding everyone until it found the Newcastle frontman at the far post.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among England fans, but rather than settle the team's nerves, it merely served to launch a German revival - and for the next 15 minutes David Seaman's goal lived something of a charmed life.

Ince holds off the challenge of Nowotny

Carsten Jancker blazed over the bar and Mehmet Scholl dragged a shot past the post when both were in excellent positions.

And there were more heart-stopping moments to come for England fans. Ulf Kirsten's point-blank shot was somehow kept out by Seaman's legs and Jancker completely fluffed the follow-up, slicing the ball wide with the goal gaping.

Victory looked far from England's ambitions after a nervous opening 35 minutes in which Germany created what few chances there were.

Captain marvel: Alan Shearer answered his critics

But they suddenly forced their way into the contest 10 minutes before half-time, as Michael Owen's header was palmed on to the post by German keeper Oliver Kahn, who then denied Paul Scholes.

The momentum was kept up at the start of the second half, and England's most trusted offensive weapon - the Beckham set-piece - produced the breakthrough.

Keegan knew that defeat would end his team's participation in the tournament.

But for once it was England - and their inspirational captain Shearer - who were to have the last laugh.