'It's massive'
Thursday, 02 October, 2008
Karen Carney says England will do everything they can to ensure qualification for Euro 2009.
UEFA 2009 European Women's Championship Qualifier
7.30pm, Thursday 2 October 2008
Ruta de la Plata, Zamora, Spain
Live on Setanta
England forward Karen Carney says that the decisive qualifier with Spain on Thursday evening is a 'massive' game for the Three Lions, who will be doing everything they can to seal their place in the Finland next summer.
After scoring in England's 5-1 win in Prague on Sunday, Carney believes that the team will have to show their character and fighting qualities to earn a place at the European Championship Finals.
"It's massive," Carney admits when asked about Spain. "We don't want to mess up on the last game. We've got to go to Spain and really graft and work hard."
Reflecting on the victory over Czech Republic, Carney feels that England will have to be a lot sharper if they are to get the right result in Zamora.
While the result was comfortable in the end, England trailed until the 61st minute when Everton midfielder Emily Westwood crashed a shot home from 25 yards.
"The first half was very frustrating but in the second half Woody [Emily Westwood] came on and scored a fantastic goal that really settled the nerves.
"We just played our football from then on. I think we worked harder and played better in the second half. It was a great result really.
"We pushed on and got four goals in the last seven minutes and that shows that we're fit and strong. We did our fitness tests in the week building up to the game and everyone did really well.
"We're up for it, so let's hope that our fitness stands us in good stead for Spain."
Having missed a headed chance early on, Carney was pleased to notch from an almost identical opening as England rained in four goals in seven minutes late on.
"I was a bit gutted in the first half to miss the chance, but I couldn't believe I'd got up for a header to be honest. My goal was a great ball in and I couldn't really miss with the ball that Kel [Kelly Smith] put in.
"All the goals were great. Kelly's two, Jill's was a great finish and Woody's especially. Everyone did really well in the second half and we'll learn from the first half, because that can't happen against Spain. If we play like that on Thursday, they will definitely punish us.
"(At half-time) We went in and said there was no fire in our bellies, no fight, and they wanted it more. I don't think we were disciplined enough, but in the second half we got control of the ball and we worked harder.
"We chased down balls and we did what England are all about."