'They can get a surprise': Neill warns England to 'respect' Socceroos
Socceroos defender Lucas Neill believes a full-strength Australian side have nothing to fear when they lock horns with England at Upton Park in Tuesday night’s highly anticipated international friendly.
The Blackburn Rovers fullback, who is set to earn his first international cap in four years, believes Australia’s determination to pull off a monumental shock means that England should treat the fixture with the utmost respect.
Despite the clash between the world’s 8th and 50th ranked sides appearing a mismatch on paper, Neill relayed an air of quiet confidence emerging from the Australian camp.
"It's a huge thing for us,” he said.
“I think that we are at a similar level to England and I think they can get a surprise.”
PREVIEW: Socceroos v England
Watch the full England v Socceroos from 2003 on Tuesday night from 7:30pm AEST on Facebook and Youtube.
England boss Sven-Göran Eriksson has made clear intentions to heavily rotate his roster due to their pressing domestic commitments.
Neill warned that England should underestimate the Socceroos at their own peril.
“England had better treat us with respect,” he said. “If they don’t it could be their downfall.
“Our level of performance is good and we have got something to prove.
“I don’t think we are that far behind them.”
The historic friendly will mark the first meeting between the two old foes on British soil, only serving as further motivation for Farina’s men to secure their place in Australian sporting legend.
“I think this game is long overdue,” Neill said.
“There is no such thing as a friendly between England and Australia whatever the sport, and we will certainly be taking it very seriously."
Many of the pre-game headlines have been captured by 17-year-old wonder kid Wayne Rooney, who is expected to break a 124-year-old record in becoming the youngest ever English international debutant.
Having recently faced him at club level, Neill admitted that the Everton forward will be a “handful.”
From an Australian perspective, Harry Kewell is the centre of attention as he recovers from a hamstring complaint that kept him out of his previous two club fixtures.
Socceroos coach Frank Farina is keeping his cards close to his chest but is not alarmed by the Leeds United star’s recent absences.
“It’s not a major concern,” Farina said.
“I’ve heard nothing at this stage that he won’t be playing. As far as I’m concerned, he’s okay.”
Farina hopes that this rekindling of an old national rivalry will be the spark of a long-term project; with the quest for a belated World Cup berth on the horizon.
“This is the beginning of our World Cup campaign for 2006,” he said.
“It takes on extra significance because of our histories. The interest in Australia is enormous.”
Squads
England
Head coach: Sven Goran Eriksson
David James (GK), Paul Robinson (GK), Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Paul Konchesky, David Beckham, Danny Mills, Kieron Dyer, Owen Hargreaves, Frank Lampard, Jermaine Jenas, Paul Scholes, Danny Murphy, James Beattie, Michael Owen, Francis Jeffers, Wayne Rooney, Darius Vassell
Australia
Head coach: Frank Farina
Mark Schwarzer (GK), Brett Emerton, Craig Moore, Tony Popovic, Tony Vidmar, Scott Chipperfield, Lucas Neill, Stan Lazaridis, Paul Okon, Mark Bresciano, Josip Skoko, Vince Grella, Harry Kewell, John Aloisi, Mark Viduka, Mile Sterjovski, Zeljko Kalac (GK), Kevin Muscat
How To Watch
The Socceroos are back on the road as they head to London to play England in an international friendly. You can watch the clash with England on the Socceroos Facebook and Youtube.
Tag your friends to make a watch party, and hit "Get Reminder" to receive a notification when the game goes live.
Kick off takes place on Tuesday at 7:30 pm AEST.
Click here to watch on Facebook.
Click here to watch on Youtube or watch in the player below from 7:30pm AEDT!
