'Russia may be the world's best, but we can match them'

Only one footballer has ever captained England to world champions status, but Jack Rutter believes he can repeat what Bobby Moore did almost 50 years ago. 

The England CP captain is currently competing in the Cerebral Palsy World Championships, which are taking place at St. George’s Park.

On Wednesday the Three Lions face world champions and pre-tournament favourites Russia. 

And although he admits his side are underdogs, Rutter says that if they can get past Russia, anything is possible.

“We’ll take one game at a time, but if we can beat Russia we can beat anybody,” he said. “We can go on and win the tournament. 

“We’re really looking forward to it – to play in a quarter-final and also for people to come and watch. We can’t wait."

But getting past the number-one ranked side in the world, who boast talents such as Eduard Ramonov and Ivan Potekhin, will be a tough ask.

England Cerebral Palsy captain Jack Rutter in action against Japan

“Russia keep the ball really well, the way they move it, their creativity, their rotation and they can all play in different positions," he continued.

“They’re going to be very, very tough to beat but with a little luck anything is possible.”

England have played in front of two sell-out St. George’s Park – with more than 1,000 people heading to the National Football Centre to watch the Three Lions.

And the 24-year-old – who was forced to retire from the professional game at the age of 18 after an unprovoked attack left him with mild CP in all four limbs – is overjoyed at being able to walk his country onto the St. George’s Park turf.

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” he continued. “I mean, who can say they've represented their country at a World Cup? Not many people. 

“So especially after what happened, I feel very honoured. It's the best thing in the world.

“Wearing the Three Lions on your chest and captaining your country is one thing, but captaining a team full of role-models and people you look up to is amazing too.

“To captain this team is a true honour and when I stepped out against Japan it was a fantastic feeling."

The Three Lions opened their tournament with a resounding 14-0 victory against Japan. 

That was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat against European champions Ukraine. 

And the Gloucester-born midfielder says the manner of that defeat can help them against Russia.

“We matched the one of the world’s best in Ukraine and went toe-to-toe with them which is something special and I want to do it for many years to come,” Rutter continued.

England will need his positive attitude against Russia – who have scored 22 goals in their three outings so far.

But according to Rutter, there were many positives to take from their final Group A match: “We kept our shape really well and stuck to the game plan. 

“If you look at the first half after before we went a goal down we had two very good penalty shouts, and we hoped to get at least one of them.

With this optimism, the 24-year-old believes England have what it takes: “We will go into the game believing we can get the right result.

“If we stay together as a team and work hard on our shape, go into the game full of confidence and if everyone knows their roles then we think we can get a result. 

“It’s going to be tough, we’re under no illusions – they are number one in the world for a reason.”

England take on Russia in the Cerebral Palsy World Championships at St. George’s Park on Wednesday 24 June. Kick-off 4.30pm.

Tickets are available to come and cheer England on. They are priced at £5 adults, £2.50 concessions and can be bought here.

The game will also be streamed live on TheFA.com.