Just as good (The Malay Mail)

ENGLAND, who have done just enough and what it takes to win matches to
remain unbeaten in the last one and half years since the team were formed,
are confident that it will also take them past defending champions
Argentina today.
 England skipper John Curtis said that, especially at this stage of the
competition, it is just good enough to do what it takes to win matches.
 "We have managed to do very well both in attack and defence and I
believe this will get us past Argentina," said Curtis.
 "We are capable of defending for long spells and absorb whatever
pressure thrown at us.
 "At the same time, we have strikers who can get us the goal from the
slimmest chance.
 "And, with these two qualities, I am confident that we will succeed.
 "Of course, it is going to be a much difficult game than the matches we
have played because this is knockout stage.
 "But we are prepared for the challenge ahead."
 Curtis said that although at times he has to work overtime with his
fellow defenders to keep their defence line intact, they have always
managed to stand tall.
 The fact that England have only conceded one goal in the three matches
played so far is indeed testimony of the steady defence.
 Upfront, Michael Owen's clinical finishing is all that England need to
win matches. Owen has 100 per cent record in scoring in all three matches.
 Then, England have Daniel Murphy, basically a midfielder, but being
utilised by coach Ted Powell as a back-up striker to Owen has proved his
worth with a hattrick against United Arab Emirates and being an effective
feeder for Owen too.
 James Carraghaer holds the midfield together with Jody Morris and Kieron
Dyer.
 But England will miss Paul Shepherd, who will have to sit out this match
to serve his mandatory one match suspension after collecting his second
yellow card.
 However, one factor which Powell admitted he is concerned about is the
fact that the match is being played at 5.15pm.
 The heat and humidity have proven to be problems to the English players
and this was clearly evident when they played their only 5.30pm match in
the Group F fixtures against Mexico where they struggled to win by a
solitary goal.
 But, with the Argentines also going to face the same problems as it is
winter back home, the situation will be squared off.
 However, England can also seek consolation from the fact that they are
familar with the Larkin Stadium ground, while Argentina will be playing
their first match there.
 But England have promised to give the local fans a treat and this could
just turn out to be a reality.