Peters confident for England

Tottenham legend Peters is most famous for scoring in the World Cup Final against Germany 39 years ago as England lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy thanks to a Sir Geoff Hurst hat-trick.

But he was also the captain on one of England’s darkest days against Poland seven years later in 1973.

On that night, also at Wembley, England were held 1-1 by the Poles thanks to a miraculous performance from goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski – and were denied a place in the World Cup Finals.

Peters, who was given a guided tour around the new Wembley recently thanks to the stadium’s official bookmaker BetFred, says seeing the stadium brought back so many memories, both good and bad.

He said: “Of course the World Cup final in 1966 was the highlight of my career and a day I will never forget. But that night in 1973 is difficult to wipe out of your memory as well.

“I remember it particularly because I was captain on the night as Bobby Moore wasn’t playing. I thought we played really well but their goalkeeper was outstanding and he had a lot of luck, too.

“We only drew 1-1 in the end and didn’t go through. It was an awful feeling. For England not to go to the World Cup with the players we had was terrible.

“I wouldn’t wish that on anyone and we have to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

This year, 32 years on, it is Beckham who will lead England out as captain against the Poles, not at Wembley but at Old Trafford on October 12 - four days after we also take on Austria there.

Peters said: “It’s quite a coincidence that it is Poland again in our last match and I just worry because Poland are a pretty good side. But I think we have a lot of good players and I’m hoping they will come good on the day.

“I’ve always said over the last few years that 2006 will probably be our best chance of doing something major at the World Cup since 1966 – as long as we can get there.

"We have got some great young players coming through and it’s in Europe, not in the Far East, so the temperature is going to be fine and I just think that this will be our best chance of winning it again. It makes the next two games very important.”

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