To hell and back

England's draw with Brazil heralded the high profile return of David Beckham and Michael Owen, but another player's comeback slipped under the radar.

It is 16 months since Alan Smith lay prostrate on the Anfield turf, the victim of a freak accident which resulted in a horrendous broken leg.

But rather than feeling sorry for himself, the determined Manchester United striker worked hard and defied the odds to return to action quicker than predicted. His timing was spot on, just in time to help his club regain the Premiership title.

And then there was the small matter of England. After a number eye-catching performances, notably in the 7-1 demolition of Roma in the Champions League and the Semi-Final win over Watford, England Head Coach Steve McClaren selected Smith for last month's 'B' international with Albania.

Smith's response was perfect - he scored in a 3-1 win - and his reward was a start in Friday's prestigious friendly with Brazil.

"I enjoyed it," said the 26 year old. "I'm glad to be playing football again to be honest.

"I got injured playing against Liverpool in an FA Cup tie. When something like that happens you never know how close you are going to back to being the player you were.

"For me, to play for England again, especially in the first game at Wembley, meant so much. I've come a long way since that injury."

Lining up for England at Wembley, all those hours doing physio or shifting weights in the gym would suddenly have felt worthwhile.

"You focus sometimes on other things, you set your goals as high as possible," he added. "One of those goals was to get back in an England shirt. It was a proud moment.

"I love playing football. That comes across sometimes too much when I'm playing. To be out there after such a battle to get fit meant so much to me."

Smith is something of a lucky charm for his country when it comes to qualifying matches.

The striker has yet to taste defeat in seven World Cup and Euro qualifiers and he's hoping to increase that tally when England take on Estonia in Tallinn on Wednesday night.

The host nation are yet to win a game in Group E but Smith, who has won 17 caps for his country, says England are in for anything but a walkover.

"It will be difficult," he said. "It [the stadium] looks tight, the pitch is not brilliant. It's going to be a good atmosphere. Everyone in Estonia will be looking forward to the game. When you play for England, you know that every other team wants to beat you.

"Hopefully on Wednesday night I can give a good performance, a team performance, that epitomises everything about England."

To see the interview in full, click on one of the links.