Everton defender Leighton Baines has said that he would be happy firing England into the 2014 World Cup in the same way as David Beckham. The former England star scored a brilliant freekick in the dying moments of the match against Greece 12 years ago to send England into the World Cup finals.

Baines has become one of the important players in the English national team over the last few years. He has been able to overtake Ashley Cole as the best left back in the country due to the attacking progress he provides. Due to the injury for Ashley Cole, it is expected that Baines will start both the World Cup qualifying matches against Montenegro and Poland.

England will be able to qualify for the World Cup by winning both these matches, though my football betting slip tells me that the chances of them winning both is over 3/1.

The possibility of them qualifying as the group winners looked remote a few months ago, but a much improved form in the last few months has put them as firm favourites for the top spot in the group. England were trailing Greece 2-1 going into the final minutes of the match. Beckham then stepped up to score one of his trademark free kicks that put England in the 2002 World Cup. Baines has developed himself into one of the best freekick takers in England right now.

“With what’s at stake in the game tonight, I would always be willing to step forward and take one in that situation. We have a number of players in the queue like Steven, Wayne and Frank. There is a real variety but I’d stake my case for it if I feel it’s in an area where I can produce something and I have a lot of belief in my ability from free-kicks. Beckham was the star and it’s inevitable you pick up on that,” said Baines.