Captain Michael Owen marked his 50th cap with two goals as England recovered from a goal down to record a priceless 2-1 win over Slovakia in their Group Seven Euro 2004 qualifier tonight.
Slovakia took a deserved lead at the Riverside Stadium after 31 minutes as Vladimir Janocko's free kick eluded his team mates and the entire England defence before slipping inside David James's left-hand post.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's side looked all at sea but Owen hauled them level with a cool penalty after 62 minutes and he headed the winner 11 minutes later after a superb pass from Liverpool team mate Steven Gerrard.
The 23-year-old striker also hit the bar with another headed effort.
The win keeps England on the heels of group leaders Turkey, who have 15 points from six games after their 3-2 win over Macedonia earlier this evening.
Eriksson's side, who travel to Turkey in their final qualifier, have 13 points from five matches.
Meanwhile, Spain suffered their second Euro 2004 qualifying setback in five days as they were held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland.
Spain had been cruising in the early stages of Group Six but a draw against Ukraine, Saturday's shock 1-0 home defeat by Greece and tonight's stalemate has left automatic qualification out of their hands.
Greece, who beat Ukraine 1-0 on Wednesday, are the new surprise leaders on 12 points, Spain have 11 and Ukraine 11. Northern Ireland, who have not scored now for 10 games going back to February 2002, remain bottom on two.
Fulham goalkeeper Maik Taylor was the home hero. In the first half he denied Raul twice, and Eusebio Etxeberria and then made another good save from Fernando Morientes with fifteen minutes to go.
Spanish keeper Iker Casillas was also called upon though as the hosts launched a spirited late assault.