John Beresford: “The altitude is a killer. I have been and played a friendly with Portsmouth in Johannesburg and it is weird how much it affects you.
“Not only does your chest burn and you tire very quickly until your body gets used to it, but the biggest thing is the ball moves faster and quicker. No-one has really mentioned that.
“Don’t get me wrong, the fitness is a big, big thing.
“The first time I went for a run out in South Africa I thought there was something wrong with me.
“It felt like running with flu or a chest infection – my chest was burning and I just could not get the air in.
“I know from playing that it is weird and will take some people by surprise.
“Don’t be surprised if there are a few goals going in from stupid angles and also from big distances.
"I am flying out on Thursday to South Africa.
“I am just going out as a fan – I am very patriotic about England and I believe we have a really good chance.
“People are writing us off after a game against a South African league club, but I know from my experience of pre-season matches that was just a loosener. It is a no win situation.”