VIDEO: Dean ready for opening day
By Nicholas Veevers in Medellin
Friday, 29 July, 2011
Midfielder speaks to FATV about Colombian welcome and World Cup opener.
Watch the full FATV interview with Michael now, by clicking here
As one of the more experienced heads in the England U20 squad, midfielder Dean Parrett believes the Young Lions are looking the part ahead of their World Cup opener against Korea DPR on Friday.
The squad have been together for two weeks now preparing for the competition and the Spurs man believes that having such a period of time in training has helped gel the group to gel both on and off the pitch.
“I think training has gone well, it’s still pre-season so there’s a lot of fitness work to be done but I think the lads are looking quite fit now,” he told FATV at England’s base in Medellin.
“The standard has just risen with every day and I think everyone is feeling more comfortable with each other as we’ve all got to know each other a bit better.”
Parrett has also been taken aback by the welcome received by England from the Colombian public and also the focus that is being put on the World Cup in South America.
As one of the players who was first to join in with the dancing on arrival at Medellin Airport, it’s something that he’s been enjoying.
“You can really tell how big it is,” he added. “Even on the way to training from the coach, it’s clear that everyone loves football here so it’s going to be a massive experience.
“They say the first game might be sold out as well, so we’re all just waiting for the match now.”
Whilst Korea DPR are something of an unknown quantity to most observers, the squad have been well informed on what to expect in their opening day clash and Parrett feels England have enough talent at their disposal to get a first win.
“We’ve had a few meetings about them and we think that they’ll be quite direct and also quite fit,” he said.
“We’ll have to deal with that and hopefully we can come through with a win.”