Zico excited by rise of Japanese

Japan coach Zico believes the nation is on the rise and the Brazil legend has been delighted with their progress the last two years after hosting the World Cup.

Japan face England in the FA summer tournament tomorrow on the back of a win over Iceland.

While Zico remains excited about the match, he is more concerned about the World Cup qualifier against India on June 9.

That is why he will assess the mood and fitness of his squad in the hours leading up to the game.

He said: “I feel my team is steadily moving at forward and raising their sights.

“We are feeling quite good and quite pleased with ourselves.

“But we have to be careful with the European-based players. They’ve had a very long season and can get injured.

“I have to be quite professional about the England game. Every decision I make has to be with the match against India in mind.”

Zico is expected to shake up his side tomorrow even though they defeated Iceland.

Despite playing yesterday, the squad had a full one hour training session at Mottram Hall this afternoon.

Midfielder Yasuhito Endo was the only member absent after suffering a foot injury yesterday.

Zico expects a tough workout for his side at the City of Manchester Stadium and has named David Beckham and Michael Owen as his favourite England players.

Beckham, especially, is someone he rates as world-class.

Zico said: “I would say the England team is an excellent one. My favourites are Beckham and Owen. Both can change a game with one touch.

“If I had to choose an England player to put in my team, it would be Beckham.”