Given dreams of Ireland-England final

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given reckons that England have proved a lot of people wrong with their famous victory over Argentina yesterday.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men were criticised after their disappointing draw with Sweden, but the Newcastle United star was impressed with their response.

‘‘They thoroughly deserved to win,’’ Given told ITV Sport. ‘‘They had some great chances and played really well.

‘‘They took a bit of stick after the Sweden game, but they proved a lot of people wrong with their performance.’’

Given claims that Mick McCarthy’s men have a slim chance of going all the way to the final and he is dreaming of playing England on June 30.

‘‘It would be nice (to meet in the final) and I said that before we left,’’ he added. ‘‘That’s what we all dream of and we’ve got a slim chance.’’

The Republic need to beat Saudi Arabia by two goals in their final Group E game in Yokohama on Tuesday to be certain of a place in the second round.

Their last-gasp draw with Germany have put them in a good position and Given is confident that his team-mates can complete the job.

Given insisted: ‘‘We have played well and hopefully that will continue. We can’t be complacent or over confident.

‘‘We are favourites which makes a change for us. We have to do the job right and get the right result.

‘‘We are looking forward to the Saudi game. We know we’ve got to win the game and win by two goals. If we don’t we’ll be looking at the other game.

‘‘But the Germany game was special and to score with the last kick of the game was brilliant. Emotions were really high and it was a great feeling.

‘‘The Saudi game is going to be a very tough game, but we are pretty confident.’’