I do know that professional players take this subject particularly seriously. There are times, when you're recovering from injury for example, that you are entirely in the hands of the medical experts at your club but it's important that we pick up as much knowledge as we can because the bottom line is that it's our health and careers which are at stake.
I have to say though, that, like many other players, I do take Creatine daily, and have done so for some time.
Creatine is a substance which is produced naturally and which, at the moment, is not on the banned substance list. It is designed to increase your recovery rate so, for example, you tend not to feel as tired the day after a game.
During the 1998 World Cup Finals we took it regularly. During that time I was tested several times after matches and there wasn't a problem.
Creatine can be taken in either tablet or powder form, mixed with water. I have suffered no detrimental side-effects from taking it although, in the USA, there have allegedly been cases of liver damage among body builders.
I have done as much research as possible into the subject, even talking to the country's top expert at Newcastle Universitywho has performed interminable tests and has found absolutely no evidence that taking creatine in normal dosage will have any detrimental effect.
I would emphasise once again that creatine, unlike some cold remedies, is not a banned substance but if that were to change then of course I would stop taking it immediately.
Returning to the Dutch squad, it is amazing to me that they haven't already qualified for the World Cup Finals.
Their qualification results have been a bit up and down like ours and that shows us that we shouldn't be overawed by them tonight.
I can still remember that marvellous Euro '96 win over them at Wembley, and that after they had gone into the tournament as one of the favourites.
Stam, Davids, Kluivert, Overmars, they are phenomenal players but our approach will be no different from other recent internationals.
Whether it's been a friendly against Mexico or a World Cup qualifier against Greece the atmosphere around the England camp has been very relaxed and positive.
