We must develop mental toughness

If we want to do better in Portugal in Euro 2004 and in the next World Cup in Germany, we have to improve. We must be fitter and we have to be better technically. That must start at junior level. Just as important is that we have to develop a winning mentality. The England coach touched upon that subject earlier in the week.

At the moment we just don't seem to have the mentality to beat teams such as Brazil. I know that some of the other England players will disagreebut that is my opinion.

Brazil are a great team, don't get me wrong, but we have to start really believing that, every time we play them or any other good side, we have a great opportunity to come away with a win. We seem to go through their teamsheet marvelling at their names instead of getting out there and getting amongst them.

Why is it? Perhaps because we don't come across their players too often in the years between World Cup Finals. Perhaps we find it difficult to strip away the mystique.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has also come in for some stick for not being 'passionate-enough during his half-time team talks - and especially in that Brazil match.

It's a little unfair on the coach because, only a few weeks before, people were saying that his cool, controlled demeanour was a big advantage. The truth is that it's very difficult to instil belief in a player in a few minutes, if it's not there already.

I just don't think we believed we could go out there and beat Brazil in the second half.

The other main talking point this week has been the club versus country debate. That's been knocking around, periodically, for years but I do believe the kudos of playing international football is being eroded.

Tomorrow's match against Portugal is a big one because of the quality of the opposition. But could you honestly say that, even though it is a European Championship qualifier, Scotland's match against the Faroe Islands is more important than a Champions League encounter?

I still believe that playing for your country in a World Cup is the pinnacle of your career and representing your country at any time is a tremendous accolade.

There is a real danger though that internationals may soon become secondary to Champions League fixtures. We have to find a way of revamping things, to preserve the internationals' status, although I must admit, it's a difficult problem.

Fortunately all the managers I have played under have been fairly relaxed regarding international call-ups but it must be awkward for those players who find themselves in that club versus country situation.

It was a surprise when I read that there had been a change on the England medical staff. It's sad to see people go, although I am sure Dr John Crane had retired a couple of times but had been talked into coming back.

I would just like to say thank you to him, Dr Tim Sonnex and Alan Smith, for all their time and commitment over the years.

I don't know if I will be in the starting line up tomorrow but, if I do, it will be my 50th cap and it will be very special. With Teddy Sheringham and Martin Keown not considered this time, I suppose I am the senior figure in the camp, although David James is older than me.

I'm happy to be involved though. I still believe I have something to offer at this level, now and then right up until the next World Cup.