Striker makes cheeky proposal if Italy keep England's World Cup 2014 alive with victory over Costa Rica

Sealed with a kiss: Mario Balotelli wants a kiss from the Queen if Italy do England a favour

Mario Balotelli says he wants a kiss from the Queen if he scores the goals that help keep England's World Cup alive.

The Italy striker made the cheeky proposal as England's fate now lies in Italy's hands following Thursday's 2-1 defeat by Uruguay.

Balotelli will line up for against Costa Rica on Friday knowing a victory will not only put Italy on the verge of qualification for the last-16 but will give Roy Hodgson's side some hope of joining them as group runners-up.

England will go out if Italy lose to or draw with Costa Rica or if Italy beat Costa Rica but fail to beat Uruguay on Tuesday.

Hodgson's side will progress only if Italy beat both Costa Rica and Uruguay and England beat Costa Rica and overturn goal difference deficit on Uruguay and Costa Rica.