England keeper Paul Robinson is looking forward to the friendly against Uruguay.
Paul Robinson believes that Wednesday's friendly against Uruguay marks a significant moment in England's World Cup campaign.On the day that England's newest kit was unveiled, the goalkeeper admitted that he could not wait for this summer's tournament to begin, but insisted that he was excited about the chance to play for his country in what he views as a key game at Anfield.
This week's clash will be manager Sven Goran Eriksson's last chance to cast his eye over fringe players before naming his squad, but the Tottenham star warned that Uruguay should not be underestimated.
"This is the time now we've all been looking forward to since the day we qualified," he told Sky Sports News. "Since the draw was announced we've been looking forward to this friendly in March.
"This is the last time we'll get together before we prepare for the World Cup properly.
"We've seen a bit of Uruguay and know it won't be an easy game. It'll be tough but hopefully we can use it to prepare well for the World Cup."
Robinson, who is likely to be England's number one in the World Cup, thinks that the experience he has built up at international level over the last couple of seasons will stand him in good stead come June.
"I feel I am ready for a big tournament now. I have played in a lot of big games and am just really looking forward to the challenge," he stressed.
"The World Cup has the cream of players. It's going to be a great challenge for me personally as well as the team."
While Robinson is guaranteed a place in England's final squad barring injury, Spurs team-mates Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe may have to grab their opportunity against Uruguay to be awarded a ticket to Germany.
"We (Tottenham) have done very well this season but (England) have got a very strong squad. Now that the lads who have come in have been given a chance it is up to them to prove they can stay in the squad," he challenged.
"Michael's done very well for us. He deserves his chance and I honestly think he'll get a chance, maybe in the World Cup.
"It's been difficult for Jermain. We've got three very good strikers at Tottenham, but Jermain started scoring goals when Mido was at the African Cup of Nations. That's what you're always going to get from him - he's quick, lively and always liable to get you a goal."
The former Leeds shot-stopper also spoke of his relief at seeing Michael Owen close in on a return to fitness, having been heavily involved in the incident that resulted in the Newcastle striker's broken foot.
"Nobody likes to injure a fellow professional, especially one of your team-mates in the national team, but as Michael said it was just a freak accident," he recalled.
"The good news for everybody involved with his club and country is that he's on the road to recovery now."
