An England team buzzing with confidence after the return of Wayne Rooney are determined to display their World Cup title credentials with a convincing opening victory over Paraguay today.
Rooney's happy reunion with his team-mates at England's team hotel and subsequent return to training sent a fresh gust of optimism blowing through the squad on the eve of their Group B game against the South Americans.
Even though Rooney is unlikely to feature until the second round, the very presence of the 20-year-old Manchester United in the camp has added to the players' belief that they can win the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.
PHOTO: AP
"Just having Wayne here anyway in the first place and working with us was a big boost to the lads," said England captain David Beckham.
Now Beckham said England are itching to lay down a marker to their rivals despite a long history of disappointing results in opening matches of major tournaments.
"We need to get off to a good start in this first game. We haven't done it in other competitions but hopefully it changes with this one," said Beckham.
England midfielder Steven Gerrard, who is expected to play despite describing himself as only "50-50" as he recovers from a hip problem, said the squad wanted to send a message to their rivals.
"We need to let everyone know we're here to win it, not just to take part," Gerrard said. "It's important to get off to a good start, build on that and win the group. It sends the right message for the rest of the tournament."
Although England have beaten Paraguay on both of the previous occasions they have met, the South Americans field an experienced line-up that has reached the second round at the past two World Cups.
Beckham has come across several of their players, most notably Real Zaragoza's hard-tackling left-back Delio Toledo, and expects a physically demanding encounter.
"Playing against South American teams is very tough because they're physically they're strong but technically they've got some of the best players in the world too," said Beckham.
Paraguay's defense is marshaled by the experienced Carlos Gamarra, a veteran of two World Cups with more than 100 caps in the bank, but could be exposed by a noticeable lack of height.
That could prove decisive as they attempt to contain the aerial threat posed by England's beanpole striker Peter Crouch, who will tower head and shoulders above his markers.
Rooney's absence means Crouch is certain to partner Michael Owen in the attack of a 4-4-2 formation, which has left Paraguay scrambling for a strategy to deal with the 2m-tall Liverpool lighthouse.
Paraguay's training sessions this week have seen their defenders bombarded with long balls and crosses, an acknowledgement of the threat posed by the combination of Beckham's pinpoint delivery and Crouch's height.
With fitness doubts over striker Roque Santa Cruz, England start as strong favorites to get the win they need against the South Americans.
Yet Ruiz is happy that Paraguay are playing one of the tournament favorites in their opening match and warned England they face an awkward game.
"We have studied England and, if they still think they are better than us, we will teach them a lesson," Ruiz said.
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