With a penalty shoot-out a possibility against Portugal tomorrow, Sven Goran Eriksson's squad practised spot-kicks at their training camp.

Judging by the number of times the stewards parading the perimeter were despatched to the undergrowth, it is just as well that coach Steve McClaren didn't tell some players: ‘You don't go in until you score.‘

Spot kicks|

England fans should be able to rely on David Beckham and Steven Gerrard to send Portugal goal-keeper Ricardo the wrong way from the spot, should they need to, at Gelsenkirchen.

After that, steer well clear of Beachy Head for the next couple of hours...

Of the other players who lined up, only Jamie Carragher emerged unscathed — and he is unlikely to be on the pitch tomorrow. Ashley Cole, who scored from the spot against Portugal in Euro 2004, had two out of three saved, Hargreaves missed — and let's not start with Sol Campbell.

Stewart Downing showed no fear against Paul Robinson, Joe Cole was confident but — surprise, surprise — Theo Walcott needs work.