England's Ed Joyce drives during his team's match against Kenya in Gros Islet yesterday. Joyce made 75 as England won by seven wickets and advanced to the Super Eights.

GROS ISLET, St. Lucia (AP):

ENGLAND REACHED the second round of the World Cup for the first time since 1996 yesterday with Ed Joyce hitting 75 in a seven-wicket win over 2003 semi-finalists Kenya.

Chasing Kenya's 177, England reached 178 for three with 10 overs remaining in a rain-interrupted match.

England now face Ireland - where Joyce was born and grew up - in their first Super Eight match at Providence, Guyana on Friday. Joyce helped Ireland qualify for this World Cup before he became eligible to represent England.

"It's a bit of a strange one, being an Irishman," said Joyce, whose first limited-overs international for England was in June 2006 against Ireland.

Flintoff return

Andrew Flintoff marked his return to the England team after a one-match suspension with two wickets, taking 2-35, including the key wicket of Kenya captain Steve Tikolo (72).

"We were professional today in all the areas of the game," England captain Michael Vaughan said. "We got the job done. We now go to the Super Eights and hopefully take the lasttwo victories, the momentum, and make sure we start well against Ireland in Guyana."

Joyce reached his fourth ODI 50 in his 15th match by sweeping Jimmy Kamande behind square. He made 75 before he was bowled by Tikolo to end a 103-run third-wicket stand with Kevin Pietersen (56).

England's reply had started shakily - Vaughan (one) only lasted four balls before Peter Ongondo dived for a low catch at backward point.

Ian Bell (16) advanced down the pitch to Thomas Odoyo but sent his shot straight into the grateful hands of sub Rajesh Bhudiya.

Pietersen was dropped on seven by wicketkeeper Maurice Ouma off Hiren Varaiya's first ball, but hit five boundaries and one six to help guide England home with Paul Collingwood (18 not out).

"We have had to come out here and put in a real convincing win to take us forward," Pietersen said.

"To win by seven wickets is a really good effort. Hopefully we are getting a bit better suited to the wickets. That is key."

Without Tikolo, Kenya's total could have been embarrassingly small.

He reached his 50 from 58 balls and had a reprieve on 52, when he was dropped by Joyce at mid-on off Flintoff. Tikolo was eventually undone by a Flintoff yorker.

"The decision to bat was valid," Tikolo said. "The team didn't get partnerships going and we lost wickets at regular intervals. I'm looking at the team goal - that's more important than personal landmarks."

Flintoff was introduced in the sixth over and while he sent down two no balls in his first six deliveries, England fans chanted: "We love you Freddie, we do!" in reference to his nickname.

Drinking binge

The affable England all-rounder was not selected for the 51-run win over Canada on the weekend after going out on a drinking binge following the opening loss to New Zealand. He reportedly needed rescuing at 4:00 a.m. after capsizing a small paddle boat.

After Kenya chose to bat first, England got an early breakthrough when James Anderson (2-27) took out Ravi Shah's off stump for four. Kenya advanced slowly - whenOuma (13) was caught by Collingwood (2-33) at mid-on, it was only 35 for two in the 11th over.

Tony Suji (14) became Sajid Mahmood's first World Cup wicket when Vaughan took an easy catch at mid-on. Spinner Monty Panesar struck with his third ball, running out Collins Obuya (10) after a mix-up with Tikolo.

Kamande (17) added 39 runs with Tikolo in a seventh-wicket stand - the best of the innings. Kenya added a further 26 runs before they became the first side to be bowled out by England in the group stage.

Andrew Flintoff marked his return to the England team after a one-match suspension with two wickets - Reuters