A point was enough to see England through at the expense of Sweden or Argentina. They played out a 1-1 draw which meant that Sweden progressed as group winners and the Argies were eliminated. What a shame.
England will now meet Denmark in Niigate on Saturday with a UK lunchtime kick-off. So get to the pub early and get a few pints down your neck before the start at 12.30pm.
The game today had little excitement, Michael Owen very nearly scored after a mazy run but his shot was blocked and Paul Scholes hit the post late in the first half as England pressured the African side.
Them chances aside it was Nigeria who dominated the play from the start and caused a few nervy moments in the England defence.
The second half was always going to be a quiet affair and with Sweden beating Argentina 1-0 it was pointless England expending too much effort, they needed two goals to win the group.
A late Argentina equaliser gave England a chance to win the group but the game had been reduced to walking pace. Teddy Sheringham had the best chance but the ball reached him unexpectedly in the box and his first time effort flew over the bar.
The job was done and Sven Goran Eriksson will be pleased with the performance defensively, although he will be disappointed up front where we failed to put any quality balls into the box from the flanks.
Bring on the Danes.