England pulled off a stunning 3-2 win against Argentina in Geneva after two late goals from Michael Owen. The match was probably the best friendly ever involving England as they matched a very classy Argentina side for 90 pulsating minutes.

Argentina started the better of the teams and took the lead took the lead on 34 minutes Crespo slotting home after England failed to clear after Maxi Rodriguez beat Bridge on the left flank and sent over a good, low cross. The goal spurred England into life and they drew level 5 minutes later with the exceptional Wayne Rooney running onto a knock down by David Beckham and calmly finishing. Argentina took the lead for the second time on 53 minutes, Samuel sneaking in at the back post and heading across goal for Ayala to force the ball over the line. Argentina appeared to be happy to sit back and allow England possession and were made to pay with two late goals. On 88 minutes Owen brilliantly headed in at the back post from Gerrard's cross. Then incredibly in the second minute of injury time the impressive Joe Cole played a perfect ball into the box and super striker Owen out jumped everyone to plant another header past Abbondanzieri.

A wonderful game of football with England matching and beating one of the best teams in the world. Fantastic stuff from England.

Eriksson declared: "What can I say about Michael Owen? If he gets three chances, then he scores at least two goals. He's a great goalscorer, one of the best in the world. In the big games, he's always there and he's shown that for many years."

Rooney also lit up England's display, dominating the first half, and he almost struck with a wonderful lob which was just foiled by Argentina keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.

Eriksson added: "He made a huge impact. He's considered one of the best players in the world and I hope that he will show the same form next summer. He can do everything, he was even winning headers against their centre-backs, which was incredible. He is the complete footballer and he's still only 20. That's not bad!"

Eriksson added: "It was a great football match and a great result. Of course I'm extremely happy to have won 3-2 against Argentina after trailing 1-0 and 2-1. I always said we would not treat it as a normal friendly and we wanted to win as much as Argentina did. It is good for our confidence and the confidence of our fans, maybe our FIFA ranking will also now be better. Big football countries have a lot of respect for England and a lot of our players."

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman, meanwhile, was left to experience another defeat for his country at England's hands, with Eriksson's side having also triumphed at the 2002 World Cup.

Pekerman added: "That's hard but it's an experience of life. It's always hard to lose a game in the last few minutes but we have to accept that. It's football."