Balotelli clash history says Parker

England midfielder Scott Parker insists his recent clash with Mario Balotelli is ancient history as he prepares to battle the Italy striker in Sunday's quarter-final.

"It's football - this is what happens in football," Parker said. "Whether Balotelli meant to do what he did or not, I don't know.

"He got punished for it and obviously has served his punishment. That was just part and parcel of football. I am not holding any grudges, I don't think anything, that's just the way it is really."

"I think we have a real togetherness and commitment in the squad and ultimately that can get you a long way," he said.

"If we carry on doing what we are doing we can maybe upset them."