How much of a boost was it for the squad when Eriksson signed his new deal?

"I'm delighted of course - he's the best manager I've worked under. He's very capable and has got the team working the way England as a country wants.

"But now the contract has been signed it gives us the assurance that the work he's done up until now, which has been very good, can be built on."

How does the news that Eriksson is staying change the way you focus?

"We are focused wholly on this tournament and we want success with this set-up.

"He's the authority figure - there have been previous gaffers who haven't necessarily had that authority, which can be problematic for players who come in and don't necessarily know where they fit in.

"But his coaches will enforce his authority so we, as a group, know what he wants - and we want the same ultimately."

With Beckham and Owen ruled out would you like the opportunity to grab the captain's armband?

"It would be wonderful to captain the country, having done it for West Ham I know it is an honour. But it won't win us the game.

"David Beckham is one of the best players in the world, so there's no doubt we are going to miss him. But it gives an opportunity for other players to come in and prove their worth."

What's your view on the rotation system often employed for these friendly matches?

"I am a fan of the substitution policy, because it gives a lot more players a chance to show what they can do.

"Coming on for your country is such a big thing so you want to do as well as you can. Even if it is just ten minutes, it can mean the difference between making it into the final squad.

"There's an empathy within the squad, and we get on really well together. In the past there used to be a clown of the group, and there is in other teams, but we don't need that at our place. It used to be about one or two major players, but that's not the case now."

Is it difficult to prepare for matches when you are not so familiar with your opponents?

"The teams that we don't know a lot about we will know by the time we get around to playing them. The preparation is very thorough and if you look at the record of competitive games we get good preparation. On days like today we have a very short period of time to get things done and to pinpoint certain areas of the opposition which we need to be aware of or that we can utilise.

"So we'll know the strengths and weaknesses of every side by the time we get round to playing them."

Who are the teams to watch out for in Euro 2004?

"We should keep an eye on France because obviously we have to play them in the first game and they're not bad. Also there is Spain and for them we will use David Beckham and all of his skills with the Spanish boys. Italy too - because they've got a really nice kit haven't they!"

Will you feel sorry for the players that don't make the squad in the summer?

"I will feel sorry for the players who don't make the squad for Euro 2004 because in the last European Championships we played Ukraine and Brazil before and I was in the squad - but then they went to Malta and I wasn't involved and I was gutted. It was really horrible."


Meanwhile new boy Alan Thompson is enjoying being part of the England set-up....

How is the mood in the camp after all the speculation over Eriksson?

"I've spoken to the lads that I've known from before and they're just pleased it's out the way.

"The lads just get on with their jobs and we just have to play football and not worry about what the headlines are."

You seemed to sit out the training session are you fully fit?

"At training I was told to warm down with the guys who played yesterday so it was just that I got the arrangements wrong."

How do you feel in the build-up to this game?

"I'm looking forward to it immensely. It's the first time and there are a few nerves and what have you but I'm looking forward to it.

"I did have moments where I thought the chance may have passed me by but I bided my time and the chance has come along now for me to try and take it."