 Beckham and Gerrard are keen to deliver in Germany |
David Beckham and Steven Gerrard insist the England squad are ready to fulfill the nation's expectations and impress at the World Cup finals in Germany. With anticipation building ahead of Saturday's opening Group B game against Paraguay, captain Beckham said: "We are all aware of the expectation levels.
"Without a doubt, this group of players is ready to live up to them."
Midfield partner Gerrard added: "The country wants us to go all the way and we are very confident we can deliver."
With just one training session remaining, in Frankfurt on Friday, before England kick off their campaign, Beckham admits the squad are desperate to get started and show what they are capable of.
He said: "We are trying to steer clear of talk that we can win it.
"But we know what is expected of us, and rightly so because of the group of players we have here.
 | We are all excited, fit and desperate to get off to the best possible start against Paraguay |
"You look around in training and we have some of the best players in the world, the brightest young talent in Europe, and we are all determined to perform."
Gerrard, who is confident of shrugging off a minor back strain to start on Saturday, added: "This is it now and none of us can wait to get started.
"It is the greatest stage for all of us to show what we are capable of, individually and collectively.
"This is my first World Cup and I can't be sure for definite that I will be at the next one, so I have to ensure that I produce my very best here and now.
"Hopefully that can lead to us all coming home with winner's medals."
And both players played down suggestions that the pressure might get to the squad.
"I would say no chance," said Beckham. "Every one of us has played in big games. Big club games, big European games, and dealing with pressure goes hand in hand with playing football."
Gerrard said: "The only pressure is what we put on ourselves and we relish it.
"I think everyone just wants to get started now. We are all excited, fit and desperate to get off to the best possible start against Paraguay."
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News conference: England captain David Beckham