Defender Glen Johnson is ready to defy his toe problem and play a part in England's push for Euro 2012 glory.
The Liverpool right-back suffered the setback towards the end of the domestic campaign and needed pain-killers to play in the final four games. Johnson is still troubled by the infection but is prepared to ignore any pain after helping England start their campaign with a 1-1 draw with France in Donetsk.
"For the last four Premier League games I had a toe infection and was playing with three injections just to kill the pain," he said.
"I've been on anti-biotics for pretty much five weeks now. It's still there (the pain) but it is manageable. I came off them (the anti-biotics) for five days and it got a lot worse so I'm still on them.
"I'm training but it is sore after games. They (the anti-biotics) are obviously doing something. It's still there. But we are in the European Championships. I'm not going to let my little toe stop me from playing. We've got two more group games and you want to enjoy your moments and give it your hardest every game."
Johnson helped stifle the threat of the French who dominated possession for long spells but only created a handful of openings. He said: "They are a fantastic side and I think the lads did well to dig in and show good character. It was difficult, it was very hot. They had the majority of the possession so we are doing the harder work.
"We go into every game trying to win but it was a good point."
Meanwhile, Scott Parker is confident he will be fit to face Sweden on Friday and continue his partnership with skipper Steven Gerrard which was effective against the French. Parker, troubled by an Achilles injury before the tournament, was substituted during the second half after he and Gerrard had worked tirelessly in the sweltering conditions.
He said: "I didn't really want to come off, but was feeling some cramp so thought it was the best decision in the end. We've got another two games so I have to keep going.
"It's a very intense tournament and the conditions are very difficult. It was very hot out there, but I'm sure I'll be fine for the next game. Myself and Steven just have to keep going. We have to don't we? If selected I'm sure we can keep going. There's not a lot of cover in midfield, but I'm sure we'll be fine, and we have got other boys who can come in."
Source: PA
