21 August 2007
VIDEO: John Terry press conference
England's skipper says that the Three Lions will need no added motivation when they take on Germany at Wembley.

England

v

Germany

 

 

 

International Friendly
8pm, Wednesday 22 August 2007
Wembley Stadium

John Terry says the England players will need no motivation when they face Germany at Wembley and are determined to come away with a victory before the vital European Championship Qualifiers next month.

With several playersbeing forced to withdraw from the squad through injury there were fears that the game could become a meaningless friendly.

But Terry is adamant that is far from the case and the players are well aware of the history that exists between the two sides and knows what it means to the England fans.

The England captain would love nothing more than to repeat what England achieved in Munich back in 2001 when they romped to a 5-1 victory over Germany.

Terry said: “It is a friendly against Germany and it means an awful lot to us as players. We saw what was achieved when we went to Germany and the lads put on a great performance.

“To do that again would give everyone a great boost. There is no such thing as an England-Germany friendly anymore. You know how much the game means to the fans, your own family, the people who will be watching. It is important we get a win.

“If there is a 50-50 ball all of the lads will go for it and I will be drumming it into the players. Once you are out there, whether it is a pre-season game or a friendly, the tackles still go in.

“I think this game is very important in the context of what is coming up. It is a chance for us to get back to Wembley and get used to playing at Wembley. It is only our second game there.

“It is vital that we make Wembley a fortress if we are to qualify with four of the remaining five qualifiers at home. It is a chance for us to make it a tough place for anyone to come and play.”

Terry is determined to become a more vocal leader both on and off the pitch as he looks to help the Three Lions qualify for the European Championship Finals next summer.

The England skipper says he will take inspiration from influential captains such as Dennis Wise, Marcel Desailly and David Beckham to help him achieve what the England coach is expecting from him.

Terry said: “Steve spoke to me about how the year has gone for myself. He said he would like me to improve and how he would like me to be a bit more involved with everyone, at dinner and things like that.

“He'd like the team to mingle a bit more and wants me to be a bit more louder around the place. What I say has got to be very important.

“I've learnt from a lot of captains. Dennis Wise would always talk a lot, scream and swear and get players going around him. Desailly was very quiet but when he spoke, everyone listened.

“Beckham is a bit like Marcel. When he speaks, everyone listens and even now when he talks around the place, and on the pitch the way he trains, everyone respects him.

“I've got the contrast at Chelsea. Some need a kick up the backsides at time and other don't. With England I don't think you need that. Playing for your country and pulling on the shirt is enough at times. It is important I say the right things and not just talk a load of rubbish.”