England v Portugal
Saturday 01 July 2006
World Cup, Quarter-Final
Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen
4pm kick off (London Time)

27 June 2006
VIDEO: Rio Ferdinand press conference
Rio Ferdinand feels that England will have a score to settle when they take on Portugal on Saturday.
Having the hopes and dreams of 60 million people resting on your shoulders may not be easy, but Rio Ferdinand says he is relishing it.

The England defender is so focused on beating Portugal in the quarter-final of the World Cup on Saturday that all the hype back home has no effect on him.

In fact, he loves the feeling of being under pressure and playing in massive games for his country so much that he can’t wait for the big match to kick off.

"I like the pressure, me. When there’s pressure to do well and achieve things and to go out there and perform, it’s great," he said.

"For me I like it when there’s pressure on and you have to go on and perform. I just like the importance of the game and the buzz around the game and the fact that all eyes on the showpiece."

England have had to put up with criticism of their performances here in Germany despite reaching the last eight of the tournament with three wins and one draw so far. But, once again, it doesn’t faze Ferdinand who takes it all in his stride.

"I almost like it when the chips are down," he said. "There’s a feeling in England that we’re not doing well and not playing well.

"But I kind of like it when it’s like that, it brings people together and makes you want to get the best out of yourself to prove people wrong.

"Look at Becks the other day, he was getting hammered in the papers by various different people but he scores the goal that won us he game against Ecuador. That’s him giving his answer and hopefully the team can do that."

Ferdinand is unwavering in his belief that England have the potential to win the World Cup, especially if the Three Lions can hit top form when they meet Portugal in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday.

He said: "I think we can be that good. I’m not saying we are yet, but we can be if we get the right results.

"We’ve got to be able to perform on the day. When the time comes we’ve got to be able to go out there and play as a team, and play well as individuals as well."

Stay with TheFA.com as we build up to the quarter-finals.