'We are ready'
Saturday, 06 September, 2008
David James says that having a week to prepare for Andorra will stand England in good stead in Barcelona.
Andorra v England
2010 Fifa World Cup Qualifier
Group Six
7pm, Saturday 6 September 2008
Olympic Stadium, Barcelona
As England prepare for the first competitive game in Fabio Capello's reign as Manager, David James says that there is no difference between the preparation and atmosphere ahead of the game with Andorra to that of the previous five friendlies.
When asked if the mood had changed now that England were approaching a game with points on the line, James' response is brief.
"No," is the Portsmouth goalkeeper's simple answer. "The preparation and organistation is the same, and the focus is very much on winning.
"The only difference now is that we have had a whole week prior to the game to prepare for the first game, rather than a couple of days.
"Against Czech Republic we had a warm-down on the Monday, then a session on the Tuesday. But this time we have trained well every day leading up to the game, so the preparation has been a little finer.
"Generally the feel and mood around the camp is equally as good."
James also repeated the words of England captain John Terry who has called for supporters to get behind the Three Lions as they begin their World Cup qualification campaign.
Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com James explained: "As always, the support is crucial. Our preparation started on Monday through to the match, and we will play the way we have to in order to win the game.
"But the England fans are very vocal wherever they go, and it's important that after the game we are able to acknowledge them knowing that we have got the three points."
Looking at the two opponents in this double-header, James admits that the focus will not shift to Croatia until after the game with Andorra has ended - but he will have a different role to play in that game compared with his role in this evening's meeting.
"Franco as the goalkeeping coach has told us what we have to watch out for during the game, and the preparation is there.
"We're not thinking about Croatia right now because we're not playing them. Once the game with Andorra is over then the preparation for Croatia begins, and undoubtedly there will be different requirements for a goalkeeper in that game to those against Andorra."