'We just can't wait to face Italy' says Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard says England are ready to take revenge on Italy after they knocked the Three Lions out of Euro 2012 in the quarter-finals.

And the 34-year-old captain believes the spirit in the squad is as good as he has experienced.

“I feel we are ready, we're focused and can't wait to get going tomorrow,” he said.

“You can clearly see there is great togetherness. The serious stuff begins now, we have our last session and are looking forward to game

“I think we are a better team this tournament, a better squad, confidence is higher and we're moving in the right direction.”

Gerrard believes that the preparations he and his team-mates have carried out at St. George's Park and in Portugal and Rio have left nothing to chance, and that they are ready to take whatever Italy throw at them in their stride.

“You have to play with discipline,” he said. “With experience and it's important to keep all the players on the pitch, stick to the manager's plan

“We have to be cute and take conditions into consideration, but we're not worried about those, it's the same for both teams

“It's obviously warm, but I think we'll cope. We're fit and in good condition so we're not concerned."

Gerrard also played down concerns about the state of the pitch in Manaus: “I've just been on the pitch, it's totally fine, the grass is a good length and the sun is off it at half-four.”