David Seaman believes that the confidence gained from the historic 1-0 win over the Germans will fuel England's charge to a quarter-final meeting with Italy in Brussels on Saturday.

'I took a large amount of pleasure from the win over Germany,' he said. 'We've seen all the TV pictures of people celebrating back home and if we can make them happy we must be doing something good.'

Seaman, who made his international debut in 1988, felt the German domination of England more keenly than most of his teammates in Kevin Keegan's squad.

He was in goal when the Germans won on a penalty shoot-out in the Euro 96 semi-finals. 'I was also in the squad in the World Cup in 1990 but had to withdraw with a broken thumb,' he recalled.

'I flew back out to watch the semi-final against the Germans in Turin and, of course, they won on penalties that day too. I felt for the lads after that and, when the same thing happened in 1996 you started wondering whether it was ever going to be our turn.'

Well, England's turn came in Charleroi on Saturday and this time they made the most of it.

As a result, they need just a point against Romania tonight to clinch a quarter-final clash with Italy. For Seaman it is a match that evokes memories of the World Cup meeting in Toulouse in 1998 and, specifically, his encounters with Romanian sweeper Gica Popescu.

The former Spurs star, playing his 101st international match tonight, scored the clinching penalty for Galatasaray in the shoot-out against Arsenal in the UEFA Cup Final last month.

He also scored against Seaman in the London derby clash with Arsenal in January 1995.

'He probably has the better memories of our meetings,' said the Arsenal goalkeeper. 'Hope-fully it will be my turn tonight.'

Seaman, of course, was in goal when Romania beat Glenn Hoddle's team 2-1 in France. 'We didn't play very well. Michael Own put us back in the game with his goal but then there was a mix-up and that guy got his toe around it and put it through my legs.'

Chelsea's Dan Petrescu was the scorer of the winning goal that day and will be trying once again to infiltrate England's suspect left flank, where he looks certain to come up against his club captain Dennis Wise.

Romania will miss the influence of the suspended Gheorghe Hagi, even though his energy levels are fading at the age of 35.

At his best, Hagi's passing range and ability to work the ball in tight situations would have troubled an England midfield that was brutally exposed by Portugal's passing in the opening match.

Keegan knows that England cannot afford to be outnumbered in midfield again if they are to subdue a Romanian side for whom victory is the only option.

The England coach has to strike a fine balance with his tactics this time and, although a draw will be enough, he won't send out his team with a defensive game plan.

A defeat eliminates England, so Keegan realises that an attacking strategy needs to be in place if Romania score.

The first priority, though, is not to concede a goal which puts the spotlight on Seaman in his 60th England game.

He has attracted criticism for inconsistent performances in the last couple of years, but said: 'I'm at the top of my profession. I've seen it happen with Alan Shearer and I've seen how he's reacted - on the field.'

Will he still be playing at the 2002 World Cup if England qualify? 'I'll have to wait and see how I feel,' he replied.

One man who won't is Shearer, who has decided to retire from international football. If England are beaten tonight it will be his last game for his country.

Although injuries have gnawed at his pace and mobility, his determination to bow out on a winning note was evident against the Germans. His goal, the first in eight games, was a relief to Keegan.

'I still feel he's got a lot to offer and the best way for him to finish his international career is by picking up the Euro 2000 trophy,' said the England coach.

Durable he may be, but both Shearer and England have to improve significantly if that dream is to become a reality.

The defeat by Portugal said more about the state of this England team than the win over Germany and Keegan must know that, whatever his public utterances.

It's 30 years since England last beat Romania and I'm grateful that such a result isn't necessary tonight.