England's performances at the World Cup have received backing from an unexpected source - Germany football legend Franz Beckenbauer.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's cautious tactics have been widely criticised and even FIFA president Sepp Blatter has jumped on the bandwagon, criticising the England coach for playing just one striker in the second round game against Ecuador.

Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as both a player and coach with West Germany, disagrees with Blatter and the other critics and insisted England's results were evidence that their approach is working.

"From the England matches I have seen maybe I have a different opinion to the FIFA president," said Beckenbauer, who is president of the tournament's organising committee.

"They have played so far with excellent performances. In the last game they had only one striker, Wayne Rooney, who did an excellent job.

"It's Eriksson's style and he's been very, very successful. They are still in the competition and have a very good chance to beat Portugal - it's a 50-50 situation.

"I've been impressed by the English style and the way they play."