With David Beckham out for six weeks due to his foot injury, speculation is growing that former Town star Kieron Dyer could be the man to take Beckham's role in the England line-up.

Dyer is yet to play in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England side due to the various injuries he has had over the last couple of years, but it is well-known that the Swedish coach has been impressed with him.

Former Town coach Paul Goddard says that Dyer is certainly up to a role on the right-hand side of the England midfield: "Kieron can take that position and give it his own brand of magic. He's a different type of player to Beckham, isn't he? Beckham's great strength is his super passing whereas Kieron's great strength is his ability to run at people and create great problems.

"Kieron can do the right job and other jobs. It would be great for an Ipswich born and bred player to be in the England first choice 11 at the World Cup."

It would also be a good omen for the nation. England's two most successful sides have both had prominent Ipswich connections in Sir Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson.

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