Terry defends Beckham and looks to show Ecuador Premiership pace

Jun 23, 2006, 15:46 GMT

Baden-Baden - England will look to play their round of 16 tie against Ecuador at the same pace as a Premiership match, defender John Terry revealed on Friday.

The Chelsea defender said England would be 'taking the game to the opposition' from the first whistle in Stuttgart on Sunday.

'We certainly will be looking to do that right from the off, and really get at them and get in their faces, which the Premiership is all about and what we are used to,' Terry said.

There was also a strong defence of captain David Beckham, who has come in for some criticism from the English media for his performances in the World Cup to date.

'I think he is doing very well. It really does surprise me all the talk,' Terry said.

'Many times it's easy to single Becks out because of the player he is and the high profile he has. Sometimes the team doesn't play well and he's the one that gets singled out, which isn't fair at all.

'He's been playing very well. If you look at our goals, they've all come from Becks, from his crosses. His play and his passing have been fantastic so far.'

Terry said England have already studied their South American opposition and were aware of what to expect.

'They are a very strong and solid side. They've got goals in them, very strong defensively as well,' he said.

'We are aware that they are a very good and solid side. We are not going to be going onto the pitch thinking we are through to the next round.

'It's all about the 90 minutes. We're going into the game very aware of their strengths and their weaknesses.'