Carney: Up for the World Cup!

>>> First and foremost, you’ve had a few starts for Chicago now, how’s the knee holding up?

The knee is getting stronger and stronger. It still gets sore occasionally but I’ve been in the ice bath everyday and I’m doing a lot of strength exercises so, touch wood, it’s been really good.

>>> Do you feel back to your best in terms of match sharpness now?

I definitely feel a lot sharper now. I don’t think I’m at my sharpest yet, but I feel better and better each week which is good.

>>> What do you make of the teams start to the season?

It hasn’t been the best of starts and we have had a crazy couple of weeks, but we now have a new coach installed so we have some stability again. We have picked up three exceptional talents and I think our squad has the capability to do some special things with the right work ethic and strategies.

>>> The team’s form looks to be quite inconsistent, but in all of the games there have only been one or two goals in it?

We’ve had the chances to win all of our games. In the first couple of games it was definitely naivety that cost us, but we’re never been out-played by teams, we’ve just lacked something and it was hard to put your finger on it. But we picked up a good result last week and that shows that we have a good team and when we all work collectively we are capable of doing some good things.

>>> How do you feel things are going personally? Improving with each game?

I’m certainly learning in each game. I’m in a new position now – centre midfield – so I’ve been trying to learn that new role and trying to adapt. It’s so different to playing out wide, but I’m glad I’m able to learn new roles and positions because it’s challenging. I hope I can improve each game, and at the moment I’m just trying to learn new things personally and just help the team to get that all important win.

>>> You went away to play for England last month, how was that?

It was actually funny, but at the same time not funny… Myself and Kate Chapman both flew together and due to the volcanic ash it took us 36 hours to get there!  By the time we got there we had two days and it was time to come back. Soccer-wise it was great to be back involved again and I got 25 minutes under my belt. I haven’t been involved with England in terms of competitive matches for a while now so it was nice to be back. When I was told I was going on I had a smile from ear to ear. It was good trip and good to get back involved.

>>> And the international team are doing really well in qualifying?

So far so good! We have a big game coming up in two weeks against Spain. It will be really tough, but qualifying for a world cup is not going to be a walk in the park. So far the team have done great and we are in a strong position. I hope it continues.

>>> Finally, the World Cup kicks off this week – will you be trying to watch all the games?

I’m so excited! Our house is super excited – Megan Rapinoe continually reminds us the countdown to the world cup! We all can’t wait and we have made an agreement that if we can’t watch it we will record the games and we are not allowed to find out the scores! It’s good because I’m rooting for England, Chris for Brazil and Megan and Marian are obviously cheering on USA. So there is house team-rivalry, but we all love it!

>>> What do you think of England’s chances of going all the way? If not, then who do you think will do well?

I’m not sure England will go all the way. I think we have a great team with a lot of experience and I think if we are to go far this team has the best chance out of the last couple of tournaments. But there are a lot of great teams. Spain they are exceptional and you can’t rule our any of the African teams. To be honest you can’t rule out anyone. I have no idea who will win.

>>> Do you think Steven Gerrard is a good choice as captain?

He has been a great captain for Liverpool so I think he can do a good job. It will raise his game even more so and he is a massive player for us so I think it’s a great choice.

>>> And who’s your favourite player?!

For England my favourite player is at the world cup but not playing. Mr. Beckham is my favourite! I grew up watching him and I think he is an unbelievable player. I think you have to watch him live to appreciate what he does. His movement is unreal – he just gets the game. I’m so disappointed he’s not playing, but Rooney is the main man for me. He’s just so English, he’s like a bulldog!  Hs passion and talent make him an unstoppable player.

Karen Carney