Post by Taxigirl on Jun 13, 2004 11:29:29 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/3787855.stm
MATCH DETAILS
Group B, Lisbon
Sunday, 13 June, 1945 BST
Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged his England players to get their Euro 2004 campaign off to a flying start with a win against defending champions France.
The two sides clash in Lisbon on Sunday and coach Eriksson insists there is no reason why England cannot triumph.
"I have been waiting two years for this and it is what the job's about," said the Swede.
"We have a difficult game against maybe the best team in the tournament on paper, but I'm confident we're ready."
Eriksson added: "I don't need to tell the players they can win if they play well on the day.
"They are motivated - if they weren't they wouldn't be here. There is respect for France in the squad but we are absolutely not afraid to go out there."
England's one injury concern is defender John Terry, who has been ruled out of the France game with a hamstring problem.
Tottenham's Ledley King has been preferred to Liverpool's Jamie Carragher to partner Sol Campbell at centre-back.
"You can't give someone experience, the only way is to play them," said Eriksson.
"I'm not worried about it as he seems to be very calm. I don't think he's a nervous person."
Eriksson guided England to the World Cup quarter-finals two years ago, but he insists the squad is better prepared going into a match which could decide who wins Group B.
"It's a big game, and it's the first one so it's very important," said Eriksson.
"But the most important thing for us is to go through to the quarter-finals.
"Of course, I want to beat France though. It would be a very good start.
"The character of the players in both teams is to attack. I don't think it will be a boring game.
"It may be physical but fair. I don't think you will see stupid things out there."
Captain David Beckham insisted his team-mates would not be overawed at taking on a star-studded France side.
"Leading this team into the competition is one of the best feelings in the world, to walk out with 10 players you trust with your life," he said.
"This set of players is completely different to any other I have been involved in with England.
"When I first came into the team, you had a lot of respect for the older players but there was a sort of divide.
"For me, these players today have come into the squad and are not fazed by anyone or anything. They are fearless."
MATCH DETAILS
Group B, Lisbon
Sunday, 13 June, 1945 BST
Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged his England players to get their Euro 2004 campaign off to a flying start with a win against defending champions France.
The two sides clash in Lisbon on Sunday and coach Eriksson insists there is no reason why England cannot triumph.
"I have been waiting two years for this and it is what the job's about," said the Swede.
"We have a difficult game against maybe the best team in the tournament on paper, but I'm confident we're ready."
Eriksson added: "I don't need to tell the players they can win if they play well on the day.
"They are motivated - if they weren't they wouldn't be here. There is respect for France in the squad but we are absolutely not afraid to go out there."
England's one injury concern is defender John Terry, who has been ruled out of the France game with a hamstring problem.
Tottenham's Ledley King has been preferred to Liverpool's Jamie Carragher to partner Sol Campbell at centre-back.
"You can't give someone experience, the only way is to play them," said Eriksson.
"I'm not worried about it as he seems to be very calm. I don't think he's a nervous person."
Eriksson guided England to the World Cup quarter-finals two years ago, but he insists the squad is better prepared going into a match which could decide who wins Group B.
"It's a big game, and it's the first one so it's very important," said Eriksson.
"But the most important thing for us is to go through to the quarter-finals.
"Of course, I want to beat France though. It would be a very good start.
"The character of the players in both teams is to attack. I don't think it will be a boring game.
"It may be physical but fair. I don't think you will see stupid things out there."
Captain David Beckham insisted his team-mates would not be overawed at taking on a star-studded France side.
"Leading this team into the competition is one of the best feelings in the world, to walk out with 10 players you trust with your life," he said.
"This set of players is completely different to any other I have been involved in with England.
"When I first came into the team, you had a lot of respect for the older players but there was a sort of divide.
"For me, these players today have come into the squad and are not fazed by anyone or anything. They are fearless."