England v South Korea
Toulon Tournament
Stade Scaglia, La Seyne
06 June 2005, 16.00

Peter Taylor has named his England U20s side to face South Korea in their final Toulon Tournament Group B game this afternoon.

England know that a win would almost certainly guarantee them a place in the semi-finals of the prestigious Toulon Tournament.

Group leaders Portugal take on Tunisia in Lorgues at the same time as England's match with the Koreans and should both Tunisia and England win, Taylor's men could overtake Portugal to win the group and face Mexico rather than tournament-favourites France in the semis.

The Koreans have disappointed so far, losing 4-0 to the Portuguese and 3-0 to Tunisia, but with so much to play for, Taylor is not taking anything for granted even though England will start the match as favourites.

"We have had both South Korea's games watched so we know all about them,'' Taylor said.

"I told the players who will be playing at training and went through each of their jobs for the game to give them some idea of how I want them to play.'

"This is an important game and it isn't easy playing a third game in five days but I've rotated the team around to make sure we have fresh legs out there."

After such a strong start against Tunisia, England were unlucky to lose to Portugal on Saturday in a game which they dominated for long periods.

Taylor's side found the playing surface at La Seyne's Stade Scaglia tough to play on as the long grass made it difficult for England to pass crisply and run with the ball.

"The players didn't enjoy it [on Saturday]. The grass was too long, and some areas were hard and some areas were soft.

"They said they would cut it shorter but it still isn't quite as short as we would like,'' added the England coach.

"We are disappointed with the Portugal result because we thought it was a little bit harsh on us,'' said Taylor.

"Now [the South Korea game] has become even more important because we should be talking about a draw, but instead there's a chance of us playing France in the semis.

"We have got to win by at least one more goal than Tunisia, but it is also important how we are going to be, if we get through.

"Ideally we'd like to win the group and play Mexico. We are not frightened of France as we know we can beat anyone, it's just we would prefer Mexico."

With the games coming thick and fast for England - there is only one day between each match in the tournament scheduling - Taylor knows the importance of rotating his squad to keep players fresh.

All but one player has taken part so far and that player - Barnsley goalkeeper Scott Flinders - will play against the Koreans.

"Scott Flinders will be starting against South Korea,'' Taylor confirmed. "Hopefully we will now play three games in five days, which is very hard and does not allow time to let players rest properly, so you have to use your squad.

"But as a result the spirit in the camp is very good because everyone is involved and playing their part.''

England: Scott Flinders - Barnsley; Scott Wiseman - Hull City, Anton Ferdinand - West Ham United, Andrew Davies - Middlesbrough, Liam Ridgewell - Aston Villa; Liam Rosenior - Fulham, Nigel Reo-Coker - West Ham United (capt), Tom Soares - Crystal Palace, Darren Ambrose - Newcastle United; Greg Halford - Colchester United, Bradley Wright-Phillips - Manchester City