Ferdinand ready for Spain test - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Ferdinand ready for Spain test

England defender Rio Ferdinand believes Wednesday's friendly against Spain will provide a yardstick to determine the national team's standing on the world stage.

The Spaniards are currently the number one ranked team in the world after winning the European Championships last summer. England failed to reach the finals in Switzerland and Austria, but have since shown vast improvement under new boss Fabio Capello by winning their opening four World Cup qualifiers.

And Ferdinand believes England can take that form into Wednesday's game in Seville, adding that they fear nobody. "It's a massive test. We all know what qualities of Spain they obviously won the European Championships," he said in a press conference broadcast by Sky Sports News.

He added: "You only have to look at the names on their team sheet and it is full of quality. They have some of the best players in Europe, if not the world.

"But you don't fear playing anybody. We play for England and we know we can beat anyone on the planet."

He added: "Recently we have played France, Germany and Croatia who people say are the top ranked teams in Europe, if not the world.

"To add Spain to that list will give us a good pointer."

Ferdinand also praised his former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham who is set to equal Bobby Moore's record of 108 England caps for an outfield player.

The 33-year-old has earned his call-up following some impressive performances since joining AC Milan on a short-term deal from Los Angeles Galaxy.

"He's had a lot challenges all through career and he has come through them all with flying colours," he said. He's still an integral member of squad. As the manager has said it is just a case of him being fit enough to play in the games."

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