England Blanks U.S.

ENGLAND 2, USA 0-------------------------

LONDON (Ticker) -- John Terry and Steven Gerrard scored goals Wednesday afternoon, lifting England to a 2-0 victory over the United States in a friendly match played at Wembley Stadium. Although they did not qualify for next month's European Championship, the English completely overmatched the Americans in front of a raucous crowd of 71,233.

The captain of English Premier League powerhouse Chelsea, Terry missed a potential game-clinching penalty kick against Manchester United seven days ago during the Champions League title game. Manchester United ultimately won on penalties, less than two weeks after edging Chelsea for the Premier League title. Terry atoned for the mistake - albeit on a much smaller stage - in the 38th minute, burying a header off David Beckham's cross past goalkeeper Tim Howard to give England a 1-0 lead.

Gerrard made it 2-0 in the 59th minute when he received a through ball from Gareth Barry, cut through the middle of Team USA's defense and drilled a shot past the diving Howard.

Beckham, the star player for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer, received a standing ovation prior to the contest in recognition of his 100th international performance - which he recorded two months ago against France.

The 33-year-old Beckham followed with a brilliant performance against the Americans, who fell to 2-7 all-time against the English. Beckham nearly gave England the lead in the 11th minute when he lofted a free kick to Gerrard, who tipped the ball past Howard. But the play was nullified by a late whistle, forcing Beckham to attempt the kick again. Landon Donovan - Beckham's Galaxy teammate - was sidelined by a groin injury for the Americans, who had a five-game unbeaten streak snapped.