Former Bradford City defender Gavin Oliver has some useful advice to England ahead of tomorrow's crunch World Cup clash with Columbia - keep Carlos Valderrama's hair out of your face!

The 36-year-old, who is now the club's Football in the Community Officer, marked the Colombian legend during a friendly game between the Bantams and Real Valladolid at Valley Parade nearly seven years ago.

The game finished 1-1 with City's goal coming from Phil Babb, but Oliver's abiding memory is of his opposite number's distinctive Don King-style hair.

He said: "To be honest it was like marking a lump of candyfloss as his hair kept blowing in my face. I would have sacked my hairdresser if he gave me a perm like that.

"The game was only a friendly but his technical ability stood out. Obviously he was the main attraction and it was my job to mark him. Every time I see him on the television, I always think 'I played against him'."

Paul Jewell was also in the same Bantams line-up, although when Oliver was reminded that the current City boss played as a right wing back, he laughed: "It was never really his role - he couldn't tackle a good dinner."

He added: "I think England will beat them and I also believe David Beckham and Michael Owen should start the game. The two goals we conceded against Romania were awful, particularly the one where Dan Petrescu scored. I am sure Graeme Le Saux got a real rocket."

Jewell also has strong memories about coming up against Valderrama although they are not particularly happy ones.

He said: "I ended up being out injured for four months after that game. I went past Valderrama but pushed the ball too far and was tackled heavily by two defenders. I ended up on the track and then on crutches.

"On the Colombia game, I am still confident England will go through. The important thing about the opening round is that we qualify. That is all that matters.

"Valderrama is obviously a bit older now but he still has the same role with no responsibilities - which must be great for him. I would not put him among the greats in the game, but he has very good technical ability."

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