09 October 2004
Tord Grip exclusive

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Speaking to this website, the England coach said he believes the Three Lions will need to keep their cool when they take on Wales in Manchester.

"I think it will be a very tough game," Tord told us. "Always when England is one part of a game, the opponents want to beat us - every time.

"They want to play well and now when we play Wales, another big country, it will be tremendous and the atmosphere will be absolutely fantastic."

A packed Old Trafford will no doubt generate a wonderful atmosphere - but can that have an effect on the game?

"Yes. You have to keep your cool because otherwise it can be a disaster. So we want our players to keep cool and play football."

Welsh manager Mark Hughes was a star for Manchester United in the 1980s and 1990s, and Tord is fully aware of the Wales manager's reputation.

"He was a legend in Manchester and he has done well for the national team, Tord added. "This will be almost his last match so I think the players want to play for him."

England's squad is looking strong and nowhere more so than in defence where Sven and Tord have been boosted by the return of experienced campaigners Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell.

They, along with Ledley King and John Terry - England's centre-back pairing in the last two World Cup qualifiers - are in the mix for a place in England's starting line-up.

But as four into two does not go, were the England coaches ever tempted to play three central defenders?

"Today they know who will play in central defence and the players missing out know," Tord said.

"We haven't tried that [playing three centre-backs] this week. I think all the players playing in the Premier League play with four in the backline."

In such an important game, with so many nerves and emotions on show, can Tord actually enjoy the experience?

"Yes. These games you must enjoy. I enjoy them - this will be a massive game."

* As a mark of respect for Ken Bigley, the players will gather for a period of silence before today's game.