BARRY KEEN TO END HURT OF 32 YEARS

INFLUENTIAL midfielder Barry Middleton will play through the pain barrier today in a bid to guide England to a second World Cup final.

Middleton bruised his right finger in England’s 3-2 midweek win over Argentina to set up a semi-final showdown against Belgium.

The clash, in front of a 15,000 sell out crowd at Kalinga Stadium, is England’s third successive World Cup semi-final. The last time they made the final was in 1986 when they lost 2-1 to Australia.

Middleton (above), 34, who has racked up more than 430 international caps and is playing in his fourth World Cup, said of his injury: “It’s part of the game.

“If you look at the whole World Cup there aren’t many guys who aren’t playing with bumps, bruises, strains or strapping.

“Someone once said that you only have three days a year when you feel fresh as a sportsman.

“It’s not about performing on those days but about who can play their best when they’re a bit injured or tired or under pressure.”

England, who have twice come from behind in matches, are a young side playing without pressure, with World Cup debutants Liam Ansell and Will Calnan scoring two goals apiece.