That person was the man blamed by many fans for failing to get the best out of the England's 'golden generation' during his five-year reign as national team boss, Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Having been unceremoniously jettisoned by Manchester City, the Swede was snapped up by Mexico in the hope that he could guide them to their fifth successive World Cup, but his appointment - and hefty salary in particular - proved highly controversial.

The 62-year-old did little to improve his reputation after Mexico qualified from round three of their CONCACAF group, including Jamaica, Honduras and Canada, only on goal difference.

During that time Franco, then 32, was part of a Villarreal side which looked set to challenge for a place in next year's UEFA Champions League.

Franco, or 'Guille', as he is also known, had left his native Argentina at the age of 20 to join Mexican side Monterrey before signing for Villarreal.

He became a regular starter for the Spanish side, whom he helped guide to UEFA Cup qualification.

Many argued back in 2008 that Franco should be included in Eriksson's squad.

The striker's commitment to the Mexican cause could never be doubted after he turned his back on Argentina to make his international debut for 'El Tri' in 2005.

The striker's experience would also have helped Mexico's misfiring youngsters Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela, who had failed to set the world alight during the opening period of the campaign.

Defeats against Honduras and Jamaica, two countries well below Mexico in the FIFA rankings, ensured that Eriksson was relieved of his duties in February 2009 and that marked the entrance of the man who salvaged Franco's international career - Javier Aguirre.

Aguirre had watched Franco's development at close quarters having enjoyed a successful three years in charge of Villarreal's Primera Division rivals Atletico Madrid.

He decided to recall Franco, along with fellow veteran striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco, a decision which paid immediate dividends.

Franco scored twice in six appearances to help Mexico secure the second CONCACAF qualification spot, just one point behind the USA.

He then went on to star in Mexico's Gold Cup win over the Americans, with Aguirre highlighting the "excellent" contribution of his "important target man".

Franco, now at West Ham after leaving Villarreal last summer, hopes his form under Aguirre will enable him to make his second appearance at the World Cup.

"The coaching team, Javier and his staff, they all know me very well and that's why I played a big part in the qualifying campaign," he said.

"I just have to keep working hard to make sure I get to the World Cup now."

Franco scored five goals in 16 league starts to help West Ham maintain their Barclays Premier League status and Gianfranco Zola was reported to have offered him a new contract to remain at Upton Park before he was sacked, so it remains to be seen whether he will find favour under the Italian's successor.

Zola said of Franco earlier this season: "I knew he was a good player but I didn't expect him to be this good.

"It's down to his character. He's playing with passion and he really loves what he's doing over here. He's very intelligent but what impresses me the most in him is the determination and passion he's put into his game.

"He does the right things for the team and I'm really impressed with him."

Should Mexico qualify for the last 16 from a group containing France, Uruguay and South Africa, Franco could come up against his country of birth, Argentina.

But should Diego Maradona wonder where Franco's loyalties lie, this answer should clear things up.

"Mexico is my country and it would be an honour to play again in the finals," Franco said recently.