LONG-suffering England fans are still haunted by Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in the '86 World Cup, according to a new survey.

The survey, by www.fortyyearsofhurt.com found that more than 40 per cent of the UK felt the Argentine's infamous goal was still causing them sleepless nights 20 years on, rating it as the single most heart breaking incident since England's only World Cup triumph in 1966.

Second with 15 per cent was David Beckham's red card in the 1998 rematch with Argentina, while penalty misses by Gareth Southgate and Stuart Pearce gained 13 per cent and 12 per cent of public opinion respectively.

Should England reach the final there may be a host of disgruntled wives and girlfriends across the country - 57 per cent of men said they'd happily miss their partner's birthday, a relative's funeral or an operation for the chance to go.

Sir Alf Ramsay was declared the best ever England manager by fans of all ages, though he shared top spot with Bobby Robson and Sven Goran Eriksson in the 16-24 age group. And World Cup-winning captain Sir Bobby Moore was the fans' ultimate World Cup hero with 31 per cent, while fellow hero of 66 Sir Geoff Hurst was third, behind Gary Lineker, with 17 per cent.

Female fans were more favourable to David Beckham, with 19 per cent choosing the midfielder ahead of Geoff Hurst. But Beckham did not make the grade when fans were asked which of England's World Cup stars had the worst haircut Kevin Keegan scraped past Bobby Charlton for the dubious honour by 28 per cent of the votes to 27.

Those younger fans said Keegan's perm was the worst, while fans over 45 years said it had to be Charlton's comb-over.

The pressing issue of Sven Goran Eriksson's successor was also addressed in the survey - 76 per cent of fans say the job should go to an Englishman, with Stuart Pearce the surprise first choice.

Unsurprisingly, host nation Germany was the team people would least like to see hoist the trophy, especially on their home soil, with 35 per cent of votes. Traditional rival France was second with 19 per cent and old foe Argentina was third with 16 per cent of the votes.