Sparked by a sick but dazzling Harry Kewell, Australia proved it deserved a place at the World Cup with an historic 3-1 win over England.

Coach Frank Farina revealed Kewell was on antibiotics and had been up most of the previous night with a throat infection before setting up Australia's first win over England with a masterful display.

The victory will earn Australia long-sought credibility but the Socceroos realised they need more of the same if they're to make their mark in Germany 2006.

"I think this is an example of how well we can play and how well we need to play if we are going to go to the World Cup," skipper Paul Okon said.

"One result doesn't make us a great team but it's certainly going to do a bit for the future."

But tonight at least, the Socceroos looked a great team before a capacity 34,590 crowd at Upton Park.

In the first half, the world's 50th ranked team simply outplayed England's World Cup strength side, ranked No.8, to lead 2-0.

After captain David Beckham's senior England 11 was booed off at halftime and coach Sven-Goran Eriksson went ahead with his pre-match plan to replace them all, the tiring Socceroos drew the second spell 1-1 with a much more willing group of youngsters.

Tony Popovic silenced the crowd after 15 minutes when he flew above the pack to put Australia 1-0 up with a header.

Always dangerous and creative, Kewell made it 2-0 four minutes before halftime when he easily beat Rio Ferdinand to go clear in the penalty area and waltzed around keeper David James to slide the ball home.

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