Giles Moore: England have nothing to fear against Russia

England CP goalkeeper Giles Moore says all the pressure will be on Russia when the two nations meet on Wednesday.

After coming through the group phase of the Cerebral Palsy World Championships, the Three Lions now face the world champions at St. George’s Park.

On Saturday England fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Ukraine – Russia’s closest rivals in the world rankings and a team that has put multiple goals past England previously. 

And the Somerset-born stopper says the narrow loss shows he and his team-mates can go into the game against Russia with nothing to fear.

“They’re going to be frightened of us,” he said. 

“We drove Ukraine all the way and whenever those two play they’re always close too. They’ll know it’s not going to be easy against us.

“We were disappointed by the result [against Ukraine] but they’re one of the best in the world for a reason,” he continued. 

“We can take heart from the fact that the gap is definitely closing. The game was a lot tighter than in previous meetings with them – and that’s a big thing.”

Giles Moore says he will never forget playing at the CP World Championships

England fell behind to a Volodymyr Antoniuk in the first half.

But they fought back and pushed Ukraine all the way, and believe they could have had at least one penalty as they pressed for an equaliser.

“As the game went on we felt we were getting closer and closer,” Moore continued. “We were on the front foot. It’s just a pity it had to end when it did.

“With the players we’ve got now we know we’re not going to cave in. We’ve got a bit of depth in our team that means we can trouble the likes of Russia and Ukraine.”

Moore, who turned 18 the day before the Ukraine contest, put in a stellar performance – quelling the potent attacking threat with a series of fine saves to keep England in the game.

After a day off on Sunday, Giles Moore and his England team-mates were back in training on Monday

It was the sort of form that won him the Goalkeeper of the Year award at the 2014 European Championships – and has led to many in the game considering him among the world's best in his position.

The youngster from Yeovil will have to show similar form if he is to stop a Russian front line that have already notched 22 goals in their opening three games in Group B.

But as he prepares for the quarter-final, the teenager is just looking to savour every moment of his CP World Championships experience – something he says will stay with him forever.

“It’s been amazing,” he continued. “I have enjoyed every moment of the competition so far. To be playing in front of so many people, friends and family as well, it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

“I went to the Euros in 2014 but this is something different. The facilities here are unbelievable and it’s a pleasure to be involved.

“Having the home support cheering us on – we didn’t have that out in Portugal – made it even more special.

“Obviously you’re focused on the pitch – and especially so when the game gets under way – but as I was standing for the anthems I looked into the crowd and took it all in.

“When it’s all over I’m sure I’ll look back at this time as one of the best experiences of my footballing career.”

England take on Russia in the Cerebral Palsy World Championships at St. George’s Park on Wednesday 24 June. Kick-off 4.30pm.

Tickets are available to come and cheer England on. They are priced at £5 adults, £2.50 concessions and can be bought here.

The game will also be streamed live on TheFA.com.