The Manchester United midfielder found Ashley Cole in an overlapping position but his low cross lacked power or direction and Isaac Okoronkwo was able to clear.

Scholes then found himself in some space 25 yards from goal but his shot was just off target.

Nigeria, however, showed that they would not be pushovers and a pass from Jay Jay Okocha almost found Benedict Akwuegbu in space but he was crowded out by the combined efforts of Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand.

England were clearly intent on trying to use the pace of Michael Owen and attempted to find him with a series of early balls over the top of the Nigerian defence.

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama also looked far from secure and twice flapped unconvincingly at corners from David Beckham.

Julius Aghahowa got into a good position on the right of the England penalty area and appeared to be sizing up a shot after cutting inside but Ashley Cole was alert to the danger and cut out his attempted effort on goal.

Beckham then saw Scholes making a good forward run but his pass was just overhit and was collected by Enyeama.

It appeared that England were trying to conserve energy in the humid conditions as they were playing at a slower tempo than in their opening two games.

But after 18 minutes Enyeama was called into action for the first time.

Nicky Butt picked out the overlapping Danny Mills who sent over a first time low cross to the near post.

Emile Heskey was the first to react and he got in a shot which Enyeama managed to cling on to low to his left.

But the Nigerian keeper was having all sorts of problems dealing with corners from Beckham and he again flapped unconvincingly at a centre from the England skipper.