England v Ecuador
Round of 16, World Cup 2006
4pm, Sunday 25 June
Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart

Frank Lampard has urged his England teammates not to think of themselves as favourites when they take on Ecuador in the last sixteen of the World Cup.

Lampard has been impressed with Ecuador's performances in the tournament so far, and although they lost 3-0 to Germany in their final group game, that came only when they rested key players.

The Chelsea midfielder is certain will a tough match in Stuttgart on Sunday, and says the Three Lions must be at their best to get through.

He said: "People will call us favourites but we have to take no notice of that and make sure we’re at it from the start. It’s a game we are desperate to win and you get the stage now that if you don’t perform you are out of it.

"The game is not to be under-estimated. I think we understand at this level you don’t get easy games, especially not in the last 16.

"People will expect us to win it and that brings pressure but I think we’ve been expected to win all the games so far, so there’s nothing new there. But this is important now, this is the real business end, if you don’t perform you’re out."

Lampard has watched Ecuador’s performances closely and no doubt the whole squad will be briefed about the strengths and weaknesses of the South American side.

Lamps said: "They lost their final group game but rested a lot of players for that one. I think we have to be more than impressed with the previous two games they played - and they are going to be desperate to get through like we are.

"We have to understand that people will talk us up as favourites but we have to know if we’re not on top of our game they will make a very tough game of it.

"It’s a vital one for us. If we go through we’re not far away from the final, that’s the way you look at it. I know there are big teams out there but if you get past Ecuador you have a chance.

"We are getting closer, we know we are going to play bigger and stronger teams along the way but I think we’ll respond to that and grow with that."