Shilton gives Seaman his backing

Peter Shilton won 125 caps in his England career

Kevin Keegan is right to put his faith in David Seaman according to England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton.

And Shilton believes that Nigel Martyn's good form this season will spur Seaman to get back on top of his game.

"I think Nigel looked very sharp against the Ukraine on Saturday but there is a big difference between playing in a friendly against Ukraine and playing in a big tournament," said Shilton.

"David knows now that Nigel is there, ready to go in, with people saying he should be in. It is up to David to respond to that and he is playing for his place more now than before.

Seaman: We'll find out if he's still as good

"I think he has made more mistakes this season than I've seen before, but when you have had injuries and are not getting your sharpness back it is harder.

"We are going to find out if he is still as good in the tournament, because that is where the proof will be."

Even though Shilton is confident about Seaman's form, he is less hopeful about England's prospects:

Martyn: Very sharp against Ukraine

"Obviously I want England to win, but if we get to the semi-finals then I think we will have done well.

"I don't think we have been performing well over the last couple of years. We haven't got players all over the field who score goals so we might have to grind out a few one-nils."

Shilton, who was in goal when England lost a shoot-out to West Germany in 1990, also gave his opinion on the great penalty debate:

"It is a team game so I think it would be a good idea to get every player to take a penalty. Everybody is in it together so it is then down to the whole team, not just a few individuals."