Sven Goran Eriksson ditched the 4-5-1 he favoured against Wales on Saturday to accommodate Michael Owen who returned from suspension as England went in search of another three points.

Like in the game against these two teams at Old Trafford in March England dominated the early possession but again failed to break down a resolute home defence in the first 45. England’s best chances of the first half came when skipper David Beckham smashed a free-kick against the woodwork and Michael Owen was unlucky with an over head kick.

England created little to worry Northern Ireland in the second half and were made to pay on 74 minutes when David Healy smashed home the opening goal to send the home crowd crazy.

England did little in attempting to get an equaliser and it was a truly shocking inept display that means they now have to beat both Austria and Poland next month to win the group.

Eriksson said: "That's up to you gentleman and the FA. I'm not going to resign. I'm going to try to make it right in October."

"For 35 minutes we played exactly how we wanted to play, after that we lost our patience, and our spirit."

"I'm very sorry, disappointed as the players are. Sorry for the fans, they want us to play better football and win, of course."

Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez praised his players for "believing".

"Credit goes to the players. All we can do is point them in the right direction - we made them believers," he told the BBC. By half-time we had 11 believers. We were magnificent and the best team won in the end."