Soca Warriors supporters are eagerly anticipating the friendly against England on Sunday. Even Dwight Yorke, in an abrupt about turn, has decided to play for Trinidad & Tobago once more, since England arrived on Thursday. England midfielder Steven Gerrard has also stated that it is going to be a "tough, tough game against Trinidad."
The latest surprise has been the about turn by former captain and Manchester United treble winner Dwight Yorke. Initially Yorke and Russell Latapy ruled out making an appearance at the friendly game to celebrate the TTFF 100 year celebration. However, since England's arrival on Thursday, Yorke has asked to make an appearance at the game.Jack Warner, FIFA VP and Special Advisor to the TTFF has notified TnT Head Coach Francisco Maturana that Yorke's demands must be accomodated. This after Maturana stated publicly that, "we want to use the players who will be part of the squad that will help us get to the next World Cup." Maturana told the media. "This is not an exhibition match. I have a lot of respect for Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, but we are working towards the next World Cup."
At the England camp, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is gearing up for the clash also, especially since England will be missing out on the Euro Championships due to start in a couple weeks. At a media scrimmage after practicing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Gerrard said, "Trinidad have got some players who play in the Premier League, the English League, so they know what it's all about. I think that will make it a very tough game."
Fans were out in there numbers trying to get a glimpse of the English stars prior to the big game. Meanwhile at the Larry Gomes Stadium, the Soca Warriors prepared for what might be the biggest and most anticipated international game to be played on Trinidad and Tobago soil, with very little local support shown.
Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones said, "I think we are going to see a very good game and I know all of Trinidad wants us to beat England this time around because we were seven minutes away from getting a point when we met them in Nuremberg in 2006." He continued, "I'm feeling good at the moment and we’ve come through a good week of preparation for the match. England are coming off a win against the States but I think on Sunday it’s going to be a different ball game."For the match against the Soca Warriors, England Head Coach Fabio Capello left home Chelsea’s John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole, plus Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargraves and Wes Brown, all who were involved in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over USA at Wembley.
