England ready to send warning by beating Paraguay

BUHLERTAL, Germany, June 8 (Reuters) David Beckham and Steven Gerrard believe England will send the rest of the World Cup a message by beating Paraguay in Saturday's Group B opener.

England, who have often struggled at the beginning of tournaments, will go into the game in Frankfurt as one of the favourites to lift the trophy on July 9.

Asked about a winning start, Gerrard told a news conference on Thursday: ''It sends the right message throughout the tournament.

It's important to get off to a good start, build on that and win the group.

''We need to let everyone know we're here to win it, not just to take part.'' Skilful on the ball and hard to break down, Paraguay have reached the second round at the last two World Cups and will be no pushover for Sven-Goran Eriksson's men.

''I think they're going to be tricky opposition,'' Gerrard said.

''They've got match winners and they're going to be very good technically.

''But we've got to concentrate on what we're going to do -- and we're confident we can win on Saturday.

''All the players realise there's massive expectation back home.

All the supporters and the media expect us to go all the way and the players are really confident we can deliver this time round.'' Beckham also believes England have the self-confidence needed to match their fans' hopes and win their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

''These players can handle expectation,'' said the England captain. ''They've done it week in, week out for their clubs and been in huge competitions and huge games -- and they've all won trophies.

''We all know what the expectations are in our country and rightly so because we've got some of the best young talent and some of the best experienced players in the world.

''We're very lucky in that and we have to go into this competition with belief. And to be honest, we do have the belief.'' Beckham, who was hampered by his recovery from a broken foot at the 2002 finals, said England were just itching to take on their Group B opponents.

''We're all ready now, we all want to get out there, start the games and get it going,'' he said. ''It's been a long wait.'' For Gerrard, who missed the last World Cup due to groin surgery and failed to sparkle at Euro 2004, the finals are a personal milestone and an opportunity.

Though he needs to shake off a hip problem to be fit, he said: ''I feel so excited I can't wait for Saturday.

''I think it's a perfect opportunity for me to deliver on this stage. I feel like I'm waiting for Christmas to come round.

''I'm 26 years of age -- I don't know whether I'll get another chance to play in a World Cup. I can't take that risk.

''I've got to make sure personally that I deliver at this World Cup, that the team make the most of it and that I try and get a winner's medal this time around.''

REUTERS