Dan Petrescu today revealed that Romania have been working on a secret plan to stop David Beckham.

The Chelsea defender admitted that his team had highlighted the role of the England midfielder, who has created all three of their goals in the competition, at length during their preparations for tonight's Group A clash in Charleroi.

'We know which is Beckham's best position but I am not going to reveal it,' said Petrescu. 'All I would say is that if he goes into the middle, he will find it very difficult.'

He also warned of a backlash should Romania fail to beat England to set up a quarter-final against Italy. The full-back has fond memories of beating England as it was his late goal that brought a 2-1 defeat for Glenn Hoddle's team in Toulouse at the 1998 World Cup.

'Our people will be very angry with us if we go home now, they expect us to go through,' said Petrescu. 'I am sure the English supporters feel the same about their team. It is a massive match for both of us. England are England. They could go all the way in this tournament or they could go out at the group stage.'

Petrescu, however, is happy that his Chelsea clubmate Dennis Wise has cemented a place in England's team and looks certain to line up against Romania.

'Dennis is one of the best players of his type in English football and I don't say this just because we're both at Chelsea,' he said. 'He can pass the ball, he can run all day, he can tackle - he is a terrific all-round player.'

Kevin Keegan, meanwhile, is well aware of the threat posed by the Romanians, who were last beaten by England in 1970.

'We can't afford to underestimate them,' said the England coach.

Romania will be without their talisman, Gheorghe Hagi, who is suspended. He plans to retire from international football after the tournament.