England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Terry ready for tough test

11 Oct 2006 - 08:50:13

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Captain John Terry has promised to do all he can to motivate the England players before Wednesday's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia in Zagreb.

The Chelsea star is expecting a tough game against a side that has an excellent home record, but thinks such an encounter will bring out the best in Steve McClaren's men.

"I'm going to give a speech before Wednesday's game," he promised. "What's in it is between me and the players, but it will be similar to something like 'stand up and counted'.

"I'll be doing it in the dressing room before the game.

"I want to give it. We did it for the first couple of games under the boss, but it has stopped for the last couple of matches.

"We feel this sort of game will bring the best out of us. We've watched a couple of videos of Croatia and they're the sort of team who like to get at you rather than sit back - which is what we've experienced in the last few games.

"With them coming forward, that's going to open up doors and alleys for us to break them down.

"I'll be pumped up, and so will the other lads. It's a difficult place to come, but we're ready for the game."