Toffees star: Bring it on

Everton midfielder Phillip Neville is confident England can deal with the hostile crowd in Zagreb and come away with a good result in the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

Neville said: "I don't think Croatia have lost a competitive game at home since they became an independent country. We are under no illusions as to how tough it is going to be.

"The real test for this team and regime is when the games gets tougher and we have to go there with backs to the wall. The biggest tests have still to come.

"People mention the atmosphere but if you are good enough, you can play in any atmosphere - whether you are 19 or 29. The manager has picked 23 players in the squad and they are all good enough to play in Croatia."

"Manchester United played there in an early round of the Champions League a few years ago and people said it was going to be intimidating but I don't think these countries are as bad as people make them out to be.

"For me, is it as bad as going to Anfield or Elland Road? I would say no. Whatever people say about intimidating atmospheres, I am sure we've played in atmospheres more intimidating than going to Zagreb.

"I would say going to Anfield is one of the most intimidating atmospheres whether with Everton or Manchester United. It's probably worse when I've got my brother next to me on the pitch!

"Anfield is the best place to go and get a victory given the atmosphere but a win on Wednesday would also be very acceptable."

He added: "I don't think versatility has cost me. I am probably in the squad at the moment as a right-back. For the first squad against Greece I was in as a midfielder so there are many strings to my bow.

"I think I've gone beyond the point of 'jack of all trades, master of none.' I've played in a number of positions for club and country. I think I've proved I can play in a number of positions at this level. It's a strength rather than a weakness.

"My preferred position is to play in the holding midfield position. That's the position I want to play in for Everton but at the moment I'm being played at right-back at times for club and country and it doesn't matter as long as I'm playing.

"I've missed enough games in my career at times to realise now that as long as I'm playing, I don't care where I play."