England ready for Sweden - Welbeck

DONETSK, UKRAINE - JUNE 11: Danny Welbeck of England battles with Philippe Mexes of France during the UEFA EURO 2012 group D match between France and England at Donbass Arena on June 11, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

DONETSK, UKRAINE - JUNE 11: Danny Welbeck of England battles with Philippe Mexes of France during the UEFA EURO 2012 group D match between France and England at Donbass Arena on June 11, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Published Jun 13, 2012

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KRAKOW, Poland – England striker Danny Welbeck is confident his team-mates will be able to raise their game against Sweden after a solid opening draw with France.

The 21-year-old Manchester United star has established himself as Roy Hodgson's first-choice centre-forward at Euro 2012 and is poised to lead the line once more against the Swedes in Kiev on Friday.

England's performance against the French has been criticised in some quarters as overly defensive but Welbeck believes the result has given the team a sturdy platform to build on.

“I think the France game, as a start for us, we set out our platform,” Welbeck told a press conference at England's Krakow training base on Wednesday.

“We really want to build on that from now on. I think we can improve a lot more.

“Looking at it from a neutral's point of view it will be a fine game to watch. Once the game is opened up, there will be a few goalscoring opportunities carved out.”

Welbeck also believes England will be able to cope with the sharp changes in climate the team is being forced to adjust to, travelling from the cool of Poland to the sweltering heat of Ukraine.

The striker said the later kick-off times for England's remaining first round games would benefit the side.

“The heat is going to take something out of you,” he said.

“The second half (against France) was a bit cooler, and our second and third games are at a later time so that will be a bit better for us.

“We have a great medical team telling us to keep hydrated, drinking at all times and we've had good advice all the way throughout the tournament.” – Sapa-AFP

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