Rio Ferdinand insists England are focused on football ahead of the friendly against Spain.
Ferdinand up for challenge posed by European champions
Rio Ferdinand insists England are focused on football ahead of the friendly against Spain.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole bore the brunt of racist abuse last time the two sides met.
The FA made strong complaints immediately after the game and are believed to have informed their Spanish counterparts they would have been uncomfortable with Wednesday's game being played at the Bernabeu.
Instead, the contest will take place in Seville in the hope it does not get overshadowed by off-field matters.
And Ferdinand claims England minds are purely focussed beating the Euro 2008 winners rather than what the Spanish fans might do.
"It doesn't really faze me," he said.
"As players, we are there to play football. Whatever the sideshow is, it is in the back, not in the forefront of our minds.
"It is not something we have discussed over lunch or at training. All we are talking about is the kind of result we are looking for."
Ferdinand is also looking forward to being part of David Beckham's celebrations should he gain the cap he needs to equal Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps for an England outfield player.
Challenges
"David has had a lot of challenges throughout his career and he seems to have come through them all with flying colours," said Ferdinand.
"It is only a couple of years ago that people said he was finished. But he is still a fantastic footballer and an integral member of the squad.
"Just to reach 100 caps is an unbelievable achievement. To then get to the record of a man of the stature of Bobby Moore is phenomenal.
"I am sure in his wildest dreams Becks would not have thought about getting to that level when he was pulling his boots on as a seven-year-old kid.
"But he could go on to set new records and he deserves them."
Beckham is presently trying to find a way of extricating himself from LA Galaxy in order to sign a full-time contract with AC Milan.
At 33, he is enjoying a fabulous autumn to his career. And it has only taken a matter of hours for Ferdinand to see what a different life in Serie A had made to his long-time friend.
"He looks to be very happy at Milan and really enjoying his football," said Ferdinand.
"There is a zest about him and speaking to Becks since he has been here, he is clearly having the time of his life."
