ENGLAND HOLD NO FEARS FOR TIHINEN

FINNISH defender Hannu Tihinen has said he has no fears of facing up against English strikers on Saturday, saying the ones that gave him the most problems in The Premiership were French.

The 24-year-old defender impressed many during his three month loan spell with West Ham, but returned to Norwegian outfit Viking Stavanger two weeks ago when the clubs could not agree a fee.

The highlight of his stay in England was the FA Cup victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, when he says the English striking duo of Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham caused him no problems.

"There are so many quality strikers in England, but the ones who gave me my hardest time were French - Wiltord and Henry.

"Of course, beating Manchester United was one of the highlights of my career so far, but I can't remember whether I was up against Cole or Sheringham.

"I'm not being disrespectful. I just don't remember either giving me too many problems.

"I know they are both quality players, but that day they didn't really impress me. Maybe they had an off-day.

"But Wiltord and Henry were amazing. I'll never forget the problems they gave me when West Ham lost 3-0 at Arsenal.

"They're the best in England. I'm just happy that they're both French and won't be at Anfield on Saturday."

The Iron Mountain forms a formidable centre back partnership with Liverpool's Sami Hyypia that is certain to be a tough proposition, regardless of what attack England choose.

Tihinen, who may return to England in the summer as Middlesbrough among others remain interested in signing him, is confident that his side can provide a shock at Anfield.

"England are big favourites and they should be," Tihinen added. "They have so many great players to choose from, while we come from a country with a population of just five million and without a tradition in football.

"We don't have England's individuals and I don't think anyone from our team would get in theirs.

"But we have a good team unit and we play well collectively - as we did when we drew 0-0 with England in Helsinki in October.

"The whole of Finland will be watching on Saturday and if we get another good result it will be our biggest achievement ever and we will all be heroes."

Finland are 7/1 to win the game - click for details.