World Cup joy for Terry and Lampard
Wednesday, 09 September, 2009
The Chelsea pair are excited by England reaching South Africa
Proud England captain John Terry said the way the Three Lions played against Croatia on Wednesday night will make them difficult to beat.
England pushed open the door to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley, with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard hitting braces, with Wayne Rooney adding the fifth.
And the skipper believes that, after eight wins from eight games, Fabio Capello's men are moving in the right direction.
"The manager stressed tonight to press them, and that is what we did," said Terry.
“When we play like that, pressing opponents and working the ball, we're a difficult opposition for any side.
“There was great pressing from the midfield lads and great attacking play from the front lads today."
But he warned: “It's taken us a year or so to get to this level, and we've still got a way to go to get to where we ultimately want to be. But we're on the right track."
Terry's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, whose two goals helped exorcise the demons of that miserable night two years ago when Croatia’s 3-2 win at Wembley denied England a place at Euro 2008, added: “I think we put the record straight to some extent tonight.
“Since then there has been nothing but hard work, our confidence has gone up a million miles, and I think the way the team is playing and the way we played tonight typifies our campaign.
"It’s the first step. We've qualified now but we have to keep improving when we get to the World Cup but it’s been fantastic.
“It's nice to get excited at the moment and we will celebrate this, for sure."