England deployed a 4-4-2 formation, utilizing width through the flanks with Joe Cole and David Beckham providing creativity and support for the forwards. Beckham's role as captain was crucial, as he took responsibility for set pieces and orchestrated play from the right. Ecuador, matching England's formation, aimed to contain the midfield battle and relied on counter-attacks. Their defensive strategy, led by Hurtado and Araujo, aimed to neutralize the aerial threat posed by Crouch. Beckham's decisive free-kick demonstrated England's ability to create and capitalize on set pieces, an area Ecuador struggled to manage effectively throughout the match.