England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90000

Beckham rules out revenge

07 Sep 2009 - 15:15:12

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England veteran David Beckham says that he and his colleagues will be focused on victory rather than revenge when they take on Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday evening.

A 3-2 home reverse at the home of the Croats in November 2007 meant that England missed out on a place at Euro 2008, but Beckham says that World Cup qualification is the only matter in hand this week.

He told reporters: "This game is not about revenge, it is not about putting to rest what happened last time we played Croatia (at Wembley).

"It was a very tough time for the players and everyone involved in the England team. It was tough for the fans too.

"From a fans view they probably want us to beat Croatia for the revenge side of things.

"But for the players, we know that if we win then we will qualify for the World Cup finals, that's the incentive.

"Trust me, that is all the players and the management staff will be thinking about."

Colleague Frank Lampard played a similar tune, with England chasing an eighth successive qualifying win which would seal a place in South Africa next summer.

He added: "We need to keep cool heads, keep calm, but also show passion and desire to win the game. There certainly won't be tackles anyone is pulling out of.

"It's been fantastic how we've gone about it so far, the results we've got home and away. We need to finish the job, the sooner the better.

"The aim is to qualify - simple as that. If it doesn't happen on Wednesday night we have to make it happen the next time."