[Joe]

With England’s World Cup starting on June 10th, Frank Lampard and David Beckham spoke openly about the hurt of previous competitions and the determination that is currently brewing within the squad.

The most notable additions to this year’s England squad from the previous competition are the trio of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville. Of the three, only Lampard was fit but was not called up for the squad, while both Neville and Gerrard suffered injuries.

For Lampard it has been an astronomical rise to the top since 2002. His move to Chelsea has given the free scoring midfielder 2 Premiership titles and has also gone on to become one of Sven’s first picks for the England team.

"The last World Cup seems a million miles away to me, so much has happened," Lampard said.

"I don't forget the hurt of not going. The fact that I am going to this one and hope to play a big part makes it all the more sweet."

"It does drive me on. It's such a disappointment and such a big thing to miss. I'm even more hungry.”

"I feel this is a really good chance not just for me personally in this World Cup but for all of us to really make something special happen."

For Beckham, this World Cup looks like being his last and he is looking to eradicate the painful memories of the previous World Cup in 2002. He had been nursing a painful foot injury in that competition and feels that he and his team could have done better.

According to Beckham, a similar scenario enfolded in the disappointing Euro 2004 campaign when England where knocked out on penalties by hosts Portugal.

"Even players who did play in the last World Cup and in Portugal have a hunger to do better -- we believe we should have gone further in that competition," said Beckham.

"There are players coming into this one with a lot of hunger.”

"Unfortunately, in the last couple of tournaments, we've had situations where we've had goals disallowed or things against us.”

"It's not an excuse. If you win a competition it's because you're the best team. But one thing you learn along the way is that a decision or a split second can change a tournament."

[Don Juan]

Originally Posted by Joe

"There are players coming into this one with a lot of hunger.”

"

Someone better feed them quick.

If your not hungry for the World Cup as a player. You shouldn't be there.

Everyone will be motivated playing for their countries. And England are no exception.

Thanks for stating the obvious Becks.

[Joe]

"Unfortunately, in the last couple of tournaments, we've had situations where we've had goals disallowed or things against us.”

"It's not an excuse. If you win a competition it's because you're the best team. But one thing you learn along the way is that a decision or a split second can change a tournament."

This has got to be the best quote I have heard so far.

Lets make it clear -- this is an excuse.

This year however, with the quality in the current squad, I don't believe that the fand or the media will accep any more 'excuses'

[Legend]

All I can say is that this squad better not let us down AGAIN.

At every competition they build up our hopes and [for the most part] destroy them with either poor performances or other excuses

[King of Kings]

Originally Posted by Legend

All I can say is that this squad better not let us down AGAIN.

At every competition they build up our hopes and [for the most part] destroy them with either poor performances or other excuses

One must prepare for the worst...

[3 Lions]

Originally Posted by King of Kings

One must prepare for the worst...

Yeah, well we know who you will be supporting with that avatar.

[hairy haggis]

hmmmm. and said without a trace of irony 3 lions. amazing.

[Joe]

Originally Posted by 3 Lions

Yeah, well we know who you will be supporting with that avatar.

We will all be supporting our favourite teams I suppose and not everyone will be on England's side.