Thumbs up for England from Di Matteo

SENLIS, France, June 8 (AFP)

Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo reckons that Englands much-publicised booze-ups are just a smokescreen for a team that could win the World Cup. Paul Gascoigne, who was left out of Glenn Hoddles squad, and Teddy Sheringham, have been tabloid targets after a drinking spree in Spain last week. But Di Matteo came to their rescue on Monday, saying that England on and off the pitch are two very different animals. "You cant take these things into account," he said. "The English have always been a bit like that: extravagant. But then, once they walk on a football pitch they demonstrate exactly the opposite." They show what they can do. And theyve shown that in the qualifying phase. And as for the finals, theyre one of the sides who have the possibility of winning the World Cup. "Their strong point is that they have some very interesting young players, ones who are ready to show that theyre top class, people like Beckham, Scholes, Owen...And theyve also improved in defence. Theyve showed against us that they know how to keep clean sheets. Theyre more experienced now." Di Matteo came in for some veiled criticism on Sunday, when coach Cesare Maldini said the midfield needed to improve after their 7-0 win over a local amateur side here. But the Stamford Bridge star said: "It was a training session and we tried to do what we could. The real match, the important match, is against Chile on Thursday. Well keep trying to improve things in training before then and to arrive for that match feeling strong and ready. The tension is gradually increasing, and we cant wait for this first official game to start after all these friendlies and training sessions."  He dismissed the idea that the lack of controversy in the Italian national squad might take the edge off their preparations. "Were playing the World Cup finals," he laughed in disbelief. "So theres no shortage of motivation. To work well, you need to be calm about things. But that doesnt mean that youre not concentrated or not motivated. If anything, its the opposite."  As for his future, Di Matteo deftly walked a tightrope between giving the impression that he would willingly accept an offer to return to the Serie A, and making it clear he fully accepted Chelseas rights. "The club have said that Im not for sale, and I accept and respect that decision," he said. "Thats the way life is. Sometimes it takes you far from where your heart is and sometimes it takes you nearer. Its destiny and I accept that. And then well see what the future brings." What the future has already brought the man from Schaffhausen, Switzerland is a place at the World Cup finals. "Im very proud of it," he admitted. "Its something that might happen to you only once in your life, to represent your country."

© - AFP - 1998