Brown aims for fitness and form
Thursday, 12 November, 2009
Wes Brown spoke to TheFA.com ahead of England's friendly with Brazil
Click on the video player on the right to watch the full interview with Wes Brown
Last season Wes Brown played for his country on four occasions, scoring his first international goal in the process, against Czech Republic. However, injury prevented the Manchester United defender from adding to his 21 England caps and his last international appearance came in the 3-1 victory over Belarus in October last year.
However, after recovering from a foot injury which kept him out towards the end of last season, the 30-year-old has made nine appearances for United this term and earned himself a place in Fabio Capello’s squad once more. With the Brazil friendly on the horizon, Brown is now aiming to keep himself fit and put himself in contention for a starting berth.
“It's always good in terms of your fitness to be playing games regularly,” he said.
“I've played the last few games for United and coming into England now that's a great confidence boost. Hopefully against Brazil I might play a part. At the moment I'm really enjoying my football and I'm playing games so it's good for me right now.
“I need to stay 100% fit,” he acknowledged, “and with that I need to play well when I get a chance. That's all I'm looking for this season. When I get my chance I've got to take it, and hopefully I can help the team as a result.”
Brown came off the bench the last time England faced Brazil in a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium in June 2007 and he believes the Samba Boys will provide Capello’s charges with an adequate test ahead of next year’s World Cup.
“You always have to be on your very best form against them as they have always been one of the strongest teams in world football,” he conceded. “They have so much technical ability and they punish teams - that's why they've won so many World Cups.
“I think it's going to be another experience for the lads coming up to the World Cup next year. It's going to be a different atmosphere, and there will be the heat as well to contend with, but it's all about getting used to playing different teams from different continents.”
And with the World Cup Finals just seven months away, Brown will now hope his injury problems are behind him as he looks to stake his claim for inclusion in Capello’s 23-man squad.
“I think [the World Cup is] always in the back of your mind,” he admitted.
“If you're playing well then you'll keep getting selected which is every player's aim this season. It's great that England are in another World Cup, and I'm sure if you ask all the lads they'll just be thinking about staying fit and hopefully getting selected for the squad next summer.”