Niigata, Japan ? Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is working his magic again.

Once embattled England advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup with an impressive 3-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday, the team that ended the reign of defending champion France in the first round.

England's Michael Owen, middle, scores a goal past Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen during a 2002 World Cup second round match. England cruised, 3-0, Saturday in Niigata, Japan.

In addition to beating Germany, 5-1, in qualifying last September and ending Argentina’s psychological hold over the team with a 1-0 victory in the first round, Eriksson’s team has overcome a number of injuries.

Now they have Englishmen excited over the team’s chances.

“I saw fans doing congas and Mexican waves,” said Rio Ferdinand, who scored England’s first goal. “Hopefully we can keep them smiling and happy for longer.”

England’s next opponent could be four-time champion Brazil. The Brazilians, a favorite to win the championship, take on Belgium on Monday; the quarterfinal is at Shizuoka on June 21.

Asked about the prospect to playing Brazil, Eriksson said: “I think Brazil, how they are playing at this moment, they are one of the favorites. Many favorites already went out so Brazil is maybe one.

“Now we have six days before the next game. We’re trying to rest, recover.”

Michael Owen and Emile Heskey scored in the first half for a 3-0 edge.

“To score three goals against England is nearly impossible,” Denmark coach Morten Olsen said.

Owen’s injury forced him out of the second half.

“Owen has a groin injury, but we do not think it is a bad one. We think he will be OK for the next game,” Eriksson said.

England shattered Denmark’s confidence early, taking advantage of an error by Danish goalkeeper Thomas Soerensen.

In the fifth minute, David Beckham sent in a twisting corner kick from the left that Ferdinand headed for the goal.

The ball bounced off the turf and into the arms of Soerensen, who bobbled the easy save and juggled the ball across the line.

It was Ferdinand’s first goal for England.

“I think it’s very important when you’re in this stage, the knockout stage, to score the first goal,” Eriksson said. “We were lucky we scored; it was a good corner.”

England made it 2-0 in the 22nd as Owen scored his first goal of the tournament. Trevor Sinclair and Nicky Butt combined on a quick 1-2 passing combination, with the ball going to Owen, who left-footed it past a diving Soerensen.

With heavy rain falling, Emile Heskey made it 3-0 in the 44th, scoring on a low, skidding shot from 18 yards.

“The whole team came in for a bit of stick after the last game,” Beckham said. “One person described it as awful, but we have done a good job today.”

The Danes never crept back into the match as the rain subsided and England kept up its crisp, no-pressure passing the rest of the way.