Trinidad and Tobago head coach Francisco Maturana expressed a feeling of excitement looking ahead to the country’s friendly international date with England in June.
The Colombian was in Kingston, Jamaica preparing the “Soca Warriors’ for Wednesday’s friendly against the hosts and gave his reactions to the announcement which was made by the TTFF at the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday.
Maturana, while anticipating the encounter which will be part of the centennial celebrations, emphasized that the national team would have to be well tuned for the occasion.
“It’s a very big and important day for Trinidad and Tobago,” Maturana told TTFF Media.
“It will be an exciting day because England is a very popular team with a lot of great players. We have to make sure that our team is in very good shape and that we have the players that we think can make up a good team for the game,” he added.
“It is not just a game but it could be one of the biggest in Trinidad and no one will want to have a team that cannot match the occasion. I am sure Fabio Capello will bring a good team because it will also help in their preparation for the qualification and it will be similar for Trinidad and Tobago.I know our players will be anxious for the game because they played England in the World Cup and they had a very good game before the England scored two late goals. I saw that game and I was impressed.” Maturana added.
Current T&T captain Aurtis Whitley who appeared against England at the 2006 World Cup Finals, also made his feelings known about the event.
“I know there was talk about the game but to hear officially that it’s on is really good news. I think every player will want to be involved and it’s a good chance to have players pumped up and ready. Ever since that game in Germany I think all of us have been looking forward to facing off with England again. And if I can get the chance again to play against them that would be really good. The whole country will be looking forward to that one,” Whitley said.
This week Capello spoke of the challenge that faces him as England Manager, but repeated that it is something that fills him with anticipation.
"It is my challenge, but it is a challenge we need to meet together, the players and I," Capello explained.
"This is the job I have set out to achieve, and I have five friendly games at my disposal before the competitive games. This is a challenge, as for every challenge in order to reach your targets you need to understand where you are going to operate when you need to work. At the moment I am working towards understanding what needs to be done. Also gathering information on where I can work in order to avoid making the same mistakes that were made before."
Officials of the FA were also expected to be guests of the TTFF at Wednesday’s game against Jamaica. FA officials were in Trinidad earlier this month to hold meetings with the TTFF and they also toured and inspected the National Stadium as well as visited potential hotels that will be used by the incoming contingent of English players, officials, family members and visiting fans.
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