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Joel Campbell is ready to continue his thrilling form at Brazil 2014 by dumping England out of the tournament.

That is the view of Arsenal striker Campbell’s father Humberto, who said his “little Maradona” will endorse his growing reputation against Roy Hodgson’s side.

The Three Lions may need to beat Costa Rica in their final Group D clash on Tuesday to make the knockout stage, but Campbell’s dad has warned Hodgson and his players his son is gunning for them.

Campbell, 21, who spent last season on loan at Greek side Olympiacos, scored one and set up another in Costa Rica’s shock 3-1 win over Uruguay - who are ranked seventh in the world.

Arsene Wenger, who is out here in Brazil, has already said Campbell will be given a chance at the Gunners next season, and his father believes his boy is destined for greatness.

(Image: Michael Regan - The FA)

“I always thought when he was growing up that he would be a great player,” said Humberto, who is also watching his son shine in Brazil. “I just tried to support him and give him all he needs. He is looking forward to going to the Premier League.

“If Costa Rica come out with the personality I know the team has, then I know they – and Joel – can damage England. I know England are not better. If they are ­confident to just go and show what they can do, they will beat England.

“My country is small – just a few million people – and people pretty much ignore us. But if my son was Brazilian, for example, he would be famous around the world.”

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, Campbell’s talent was spotted at an early age after his father showed him footage of Pele and Diego Maradona.

“When he was young I used to work a lot on a cruise ship,” said Humberto. “When I came back I brought videos of Pele and ­Maradona.

“When I showed him one piece of skill from Maradona, he said, ‘Pop, where did he get that from? I invented that.’ I told him that was impossible, but he took me out on the porch and he showed me the trick. I knew then I had a little Maradona on my hands.

(Image: Getty)

“When he was smaller, I was always taking him up and down to football school. When he was five I took him to one school and the guy said he couldn’t take him as he was too young.

“So I told him he was seven and they put him in the team. He was actually only five and one of the smallest in the team, but he was the best even with older guys.”

Campbell, who can operate as a striker or winger, served notice of his talent with a spectacular goal for Olympiacos in their 2-0 ­Champions League win over Manchester United in February.

He has continued that form here, with his man-of-the-match display against Uruguay, and his father said the England game is where he really wants to make his mark.

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“I have told him this has to be the game,” said Humberto, whose son has also been on loan at Lorient and Real Betis.

“When he played against United I told him that it had to be the game to shine, to show the world what he can do. This is the time for him to prove it to everybody again. Hopefully Arsene can see what Joel can do. If they bring him back home to Arsenal, I will be very happy.

“Unfortunately Arsene didn’t want to play him when he was 18, when he signed for Arsenal, but maybe he will now he is 21.

“I know he can play there, he just needs the chance. When he was growing up he scored a lot, but he needs to come in to European football and do it there.”

Campbell’s exploits have made him a hero back in his ­homeland, with his father admitting ­expectations are high following the win over Uruguay.

“Everybody back at home is very excited,” added Humberto. “I said beforehand that we would beat Uruguay, draw with Italy and beat England. That’s what I said and still what I feel.”