England 3 Hungary 1:  A free-kick masterclass from David Beckham helped England to a pre-World Cup friendly win over Hungary at Old Trafford.

Beckham assisted two England goals for Steven Gerrard and John Terry in a five-minute spell at the start of the second half at Old Trafford.

After a drab first 40 minutes England burst into life just before the break.

Beckham's cross provided Michael Owen with a gilt-edged chance to head England into the lead but Gabor Kiraly beat away his effort.

But Gerrard kept the pressure on and was brought down by Csaba Feher for a penalty, only for Frank Lampard's spot-kick to be saved down to his right by Kiraly.

And then another fine ball in from the right by Beckham supplied Joe Cole, whose header hit the far post before being cleared by Laszlo Eger off the underside of the crossbar.

But England did take the lead two minutes after the restart when Gerrard headed Beckham's deep free-kick into the far corner beyond Kiraly.

And moments later England doubled their lead when Terry headed home another superb pinpoint Beckham cross.

But a goal out of nothing on 55 minutes from Pal Dardai - a rocket of a shot which flew into the top corner - hauled Hungary back into the game.

Theo Walcott entered the fray midway through the second half and became the youngest ever England international at 17 years and 75 days.

But it was fellow sub Peter Crouch who made it 3-1 when he turned and fired low into the far corner with six minutes remaining.  PA