Skrtel excited by England test

27 March 2009 09:00
Martin Skrtel is looking forward to renewing old Premier League rivalries - and tackling team-mate Steven Gerrard - when Slovakia play England.The Reds defender is already well acquainted with the English game having settled impressively since moving to Anfield in January 2008 from Zenit St Petersburg.Skrtel is unlikely to be overawed by England's stars but for many of his Slovakia team-mates Saturday's game at Wembley will provide an opportunity to demonstrate they can compete at this level."The match against England will be special to me. To play against people like Steve (Gerrard), (Frank) Lampard and (Peter) Crouch is a challenge for me and a good match," he told Sky Sports."This is a friendly of much prestige for Slovakia. To play at Wembley generates an extra incentive and the squad is very much looking forward to it."During training my team-mates have asked me questions about the English players. I have told them what I know and asked for a little luck."The no-nonsense defender believes Saturday's friendly provides Slovakia with a perfect opportunity to measure their progress as a footballing nation."Slovakia is a team that progresses game to game and this match is very important for us to learn from," he added."We want to show a good level in London and show that for us this game is not a holiday."During the previous week I have spoken with my companions in Liverpool and what has become clear is that he won't help each other - this is the professionalism in each footballer."There has been a bit of joking in the dressing room between me and Steve."He has been performing brilliantly for Liverpool and battles with him are very difficult."For Slovakia, it we score a goal and finish the game without defeat it will be sensational."[LNB]

Source: Eurosport