England

v

Germany

 

 

FIFA U17 World Cup
Quarter Final
11am Sunday 2 September 2007 (UK time)
Goyang Stadium, Goyang City

England captain Jordan Spence is relishing the prospect of leading his side out against Germany in Sunday's Quarter Final.

The Three Lions beat Syria two days ago to set up a enticing meeting with their old rivals and Spence can't wait for battle to commence.

"It's another massive game," said the West Ham defender. "I was talking to Woodsy [Michael Woods] before the Brazil game and we said this is why we play football. To play Germany in the Quarter Final of a World Cup - this is why we do what we do. It doesn't need any hyping up."

Spence is one of only three players to have played every minute of England's World Cup campaign - Alex Smithies and Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi are the other two - and the skipper had to be at his resilient best in the Round of 16 clash with Syria.

The young Lions were given a scare by the underdogs, particularly when Ziad Ajouz pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, but Spence rallied his troops and Rhys Murphy's strike ensured a passage through to the next round.

"It wasn't easy," insisted Spence. "They did not surprise us, they were not going to be a push over. It was a big game for both sides, but we knew they were really going to go at it and I think we dealt with the challenge well.

"We did not enter the game complacent but it did not pan out how we wanted it. Perhaps it was a bit of a grounding."

England's reward is a meeting with Germany at the Goyang Stadium, the scene of the Three Lions' dramatic win over Brazil.

Spence enjoyed a momentous evening against the Samba Boys, netting the winner in stoppage time. Germany will offer another stern examination, they beat England in February, but the skipper is confident his side will prevail.

"We played against them in the Algarve Tournament," recalled Spence. "Their side was relatively similar to what they have been using during the World Cup. They beat us 3-1 and deserved to win, but that was quite some time ago.

"They have dangerous players and they are a dangerous team. We are in the Quarter Final of the World Cup so we didn't expect an easy game. But with the team spirit we have developed and the ability we have in the group, we believe we can beat anyone."