In another life... the England team to face Portugal

Bratwurst gives you the lowdown on the England team that could be facing Portugal on Saturday in a parallel universe where potential has been fulfilled, injuries have been avoided and the right transfer moves have been made.

Goalkeeper

Carlo Cudicini - Was rumoured to be in line for a call-up in 2004 when he became eligible for British citizenship, but that never materialised. Would certainly have made this World Cup squad ahead of Scott Carson.

Defenders

Steven Gerrard - Arguably the best right-back in England, but also happens to be the best midfielder too. Broke into the Liverpool team as a full-back and could easily have stayed there he was so impressive.

Titus Bramble - Once one of England's finest young centre-backs, but now one half of slapstick duo Bramble & Boumsong. His regular errors are now a standing joke, which doesn't do his confidence any good, which leads to errors, which...

Wes Brown - Wes Brown has never been the same player since returning from a cruciate ligament injury. If he had not picked up the injury it is hard to imagine him not being an England regular by now rather than the nine caps he has picked up.

Phil Neville - It is often argued that you stand more chance of being picked for England as a Manchester United reserve than in the first team of many other Premiership clubs. Phil Neville is a case in point, although playing in midfield for Everton where he faces stiffer competition hasn't helped.

Midfielders

Jermaine Pennant - Aaron Lennon shouldn't really have had a sniff of an England call-up. Jermaine Pennant should have cemented his spot as a replacement for Beckham years ago. Sadly has gone off the rails, but was one of Birmingham's best players last season and is now being linked with a move to Liverpool.

Nicky Butt (c) - Another player who fared better as a Manchester United bench-warmer. Injuries and a failed move to Newcastle United lost him the momentum gained with an excellent World Cup in 2002.

Seth Johnson - Johnson appears destined to be a one cap wonder despite his early promise. Tipped to follow David Platt off Crewe Alexandra's production line and into the England midfield, he has suffered from injuries and loss of form. At the start of this season Leeds United wrote off their £7 million transfer fee and let Johnson re-join Derby County for free.

Matthew Etherington - First got noticed as a 15-year-old on trial with Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson named him as the stand-out player in a match with Boca Juniors's youth side. He joined Tottenham instead, but is now beginning to reach his potential with West Ham.

Strikers

Francis Jeffers - Before Rooney, the Everton youngster everybody was talking about was Francis Jeffers. Has an England record of one cap, one goal, but has failed to make his mark at Arsenal, Charlton and Rangers. Has gone off the boil more times than your kettle.

Danny Cadamarteri - Before Francis Jeffers, the Everton youngster everybody was talking about was Danny Cadamarteri! Announced his arrival as a 17-year-old with the winning goal in the Merseyside derby and a couple of other important goals. Sadly it has been downhill from there. Now a bit of a journeyman around his native Yorkshire.

Rob Parker