Preparing for the big one: Scott Parker and John Terry during training

Hodgson said only if the match moves into extra time will he then nominate his five penalty-takers.

‘I don’t anticipate the game going to a penalty shootout,’ he said. ‘I’m an optimist. I anticipate us winning the game in 90 minutes.’

One of those takers is expected to be Steven Gerrard, who has excelled as England captain during this tournament.

Liverpool team-mate Glen Johnson insists Gerrard has come good as his country’s leader, saying: ‘Steven has been a fantastic player for many years, but with the armband I think he feels he needs to step up a tiny bit more, and he’s done it more than anyone so far.’

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