England will be looking for five brave men, good and true, if today's game goes to penalties.

It rankles that the last time England were knocked out of the World Cup finals without the game going to spot-kicks was in 1986 - and then Diego Maradona had an unwanted hand in the defeat.

So, who will put themselves forward as prospective heroes - or villains?

While England have been practising spot-kicks in training, it is nevertheless worrying that there are just two regular penalty takers in the 23-man squad.

Michael Owen and Teddy Sheringham regularly shoulder the responsibility for their clubs - but their records are hardly unblemished.

Even David Beckham does not do the job for Manchester United.

These are the players to whom Sven-Goran Eriksson will turn if a shoot-out is required:

Favoured first five: David Beckham, Michael Owen, Teddy Sheringham

Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand

Other leading candidates: Robbie Fowler, Trevor Sinclair