Appalling defending by Sven Goran Eriksonn’s side was punished on 28 minutes as Goran Pandev's shot was blocked but it ran free to Hristov whose effort ends up in the net off David James.

Half time was a welcome break as England tried to regroup, and it worked as England looked brighter and history was set on 53 minutes as Wayne Rooney became the youngest player to score for England. The Everton striker finished well after a lovely knock down by Emile Heskey. Ten minutes later a very mediocre England side were ahead, John Terry was fouled in the box and skipper David Beckham who was again the one bright spark on the pitch send the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

The second goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Macedonia and they never really threatened for the rest of the game. Another three points against Liechtenstein on Wednesday and England go to Turkey needing a draw to win the group.

Sven-Goran Eriksson led the tributes to Wayne Rooney as the teenage striker became the youngest England player to score an international goal in leading his team's comeback in Macedonia.

"Congratulations to Wayne Rooney. To be the youngest goalscorer for England is very good. He took his goal very well," said Eriksson, who equalled a record himself in securing a seventh consecutive victory. "I think he can go very far. It depends on him. The talent and quality is there. Of course, he has to learn a lot of things yet.

"But if things go as planned, I think he can be an extremely good footballer. If he is fit, I should pick him in the squad always. Whether he starts or not every time, I don't know. But he played very well and scored a very important goal. He also did the tactical job that I asked him to do, and that's not bad for a 17-year-old."

On skipper David Beckham Eriksson added: "I think David Beckham did well. He is important with his delivery and his heart for the team. He knew the importance of the game and he was a little bit upset coming into the dressing-room but he was calm again after 30 seconds and then said 'come on boys, let's go out and do it'."

David Beckham said: "We knew how important this game was. People were talking about Wednesday's match [against Liechtenstein] but this was the important one. Even though we were 1-0 down I'm not sure we deserved it. Our character brought us through."

Record breaker Wayne Rooney said: "It was a great feeling for me to score my first England goal - even better knowing it was in such an important game. If I am being honest, then I have to say that the result is more important to me than scoring the goal because it was a vital win for us.

"It was a difficult game in difficult circumstances but once again all of the lads worked hard and showed a never say die spirit. With the goal Emile Heskey did really well for me. All I had to do was concentrate on getting a good connection onto the shot - and thankfully that's what happened."