IAN CALLAGHAN will spare a thought for Pepe Reina and Ryan Babel tomorrow. His sympathy will extend to Fernando Torres too if the Liverpool striker is benched again by Spain boss Vicente del Bosque.

The jury is still out as to whether Torres will get the nod to start what is the biggest game in any player’s career.

Replaced by Barcelona’s Pedro for Wednesday’s semi-final, Torres had to be content with a second half cameo.

At least he had that luxury.

In 1966 when England stepped out for what to this day is still the nation’s crowning moment, Callaghan knew he would play no part.

There were no substitutes in those days, just the bare 11 names allowed on the teamsheet.

After being drafted in for England’s final group game – a 2-0 win over France – Callaghan was dropped for the quarter-final and failed to get back into the team.

While Everton’s Johnny Heitinga and Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt are certain starters for Holland, Callaghan knows what will be going through the minds of the remaining Merseyside based trio.

Still, he says it is better to be there than not at all, with an opportunity to share in one of the most memorable nights they will ever experience.

“I knew I wasn’t going to play in the final,” said Callaghan.

“I only played the one game, against France in the group stage.

“Geoff Hurst had come in for the quarter-final and then that was the team for the semi and on to the final.

“There were only the 11 who could play so I was part of the squad for the final.

“But you’re still there and feeling the same sort of apprehension and wondering how it’s all going to go.

“Whether you do or don’t play, you still feel very much a part of it all.

“It will be a tremendous feeling for all the players tomorrow night as they prepare for such a fantastic occasion.”