England captain Rio Ferdinand was buoyed by the fact that all of the substitutes were able to make an impact in Sunday's lucky 2-1 in over Japan.

The Three Lions were spared the embarrassment of a defeat to the out of form Blue Samurai because of two late own goals but Ferdinand was more focused on the fact players coming off the bench were instrumental in producing a winning result.

"I would say Joe Cole made the biggest impact but all the substitutes made impacts in different ways," said Ferdinand.

"All of them were very lively and they gave us a bit more drive and forcefulness.

"That is what you need going into a tournament. You need players who can make an impact off the bench."

For more World Cup news, click on the following link - http://www.worldcup.tribalfootball.com/page/Home/0,,12952,00.html