Queiroz hails England as best since 1966

IRAN coach Carlos Queiroz believes the English side he will face today is the best since Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966. Queiroz, 69, had two spells at Manchester United as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson and is well versed in the peculiarities of the English game. Speaking before today’s Group B game at the Khalifa Stadium, Queiroz said: ‘If I choose one kind of player to go to war for sure I would not ignore the mentality and attitude of English players. ‘This new generation Gareth Southgate is bringing for the national team in my opinion is probably the most competitive English team since 1966 that I have the opportunity to see. I remember that team very well. But this team is very functional, very practical, very realistic. ‘I worked with the generation of Rio Ferdinand, of Paul Scholes. Fantastic players, David Beckham and all those guys.

‘But this national team is really different. They make a realistic approach to every single game which makes them very, very dangerous.’

Queiroz first worked at United between 2002 and 2003 before leaving to manage Real Madrid. In 2004 he returned and remained working with Ferguson until 2008. ‘I confess that I did not receive any help from Scotland,’ he laughed when asked if Ferguson had been advising him on how to beat England.

‘I’ve worked with English players. They have a great and fantastic attitude all the time. They love to play the game with rhythm and intensity which is part of the culture of English football,’ Queiroz said.

‘This is a unique opportunity for my team, the first time we have had the opportunity to play England. To play against them is like magic. For me it is special. For the players it is like a dream of a lifetime. ‘Since they were kids they have been watching English football on TV. We are very proud and very excited.

‘We hope the English players will appreciate our commitment. I hope we can produce a great football occasion. That is the most important thing.’