Some England fans may struggle to remember Nigel Martyn. Even so, the ex-Crystal Palace keeper has played in some memorable games for the Three Lions.

Martyn was in net for England during the crucial crunch match against Greece where David Beckham booked the country a place at the World Cup with a sublime injury time free kick.

Over the ten years of Martyn's international career, the former Leeds United stopper picked up 23 caps for England deputising when needed for David Seaman.

Even if Martyn was below Seaman in the England pecking order, the 'keeper was still held in high regard in British football.

Martyn twice broke the British transfer record for a goalkeeper. First when he became the first £1million goalkeeper in British football in his transfer to Crystal Palace in 1989, and then again when Leeds came calling in 1996.

Martyn went on to be an instrumental figure for Leeds, putting in Man of the Match displays in Europe as Leeds reached successive European semi-finals, the UEFA Cup in 1999/2000 and then the Champions League in 2000/01.

Even with Martyn's impressive performances at club level he struggled to dislodge Seaman from the England set up.

"Dave was a very good goalkeeper," Martyn told Betway Insider. "I'd put him in with the likes of Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton. They were the real three greats that we've had, and the rest of us haven't managed to get to the heights that they've achieved."

After travelling to the 1998 World Cup as back-up choice Martyn had been quietly hoping that his form would edge him ahead of Seaman for the 2002 tournament.

"I think I pretty much knew before we went because David played in most of the qualifiers," says Martyn. "But then the squad numbers come out. He's No. 1 and I'm No. 13 and that confirms it for you."

"Since Dave, we've had many good goalkeepers, but none in his class. I definitely think if I'd come along a little bit later then there would have been more opportunity. That's life."

After eight games over four years as substitute keeper, Martyn almost got his chance. England were leading Brazil 1-0 in the quarter finals when Seaman - who had not conceded in three games - landed awkwardly on his shoulder.

After initially signalling to the bench, Seaman decided to play on and the rest is history.