England players promised to honour the nation’s war heroes when they wear the poppy at Wembley and hope it will inspire them to victory against world champions Spain.

Manchester United defender Phil Jones, 19, stressed the importance of such a gesture to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice, while goalkeeper Joe Hart told the nation the players would not be in awe of mighty Spain.

Proud nation: England have fought for the right to honour the dead in every means

Jones said wearing poppy armbands was 'a massive honour and it 100 per cent puts my job into perspective'.

In an impressive, unprompted speech, he dismissed the pressure of being part of the young team Fabio Capello plans to field at Wembley on this emotional day.

'On Saturday we are wearing poppies on our armbands to pay respects to those who lost their lives,' said Jones. 'When you think about those who have lost their lives for our country, playing football doesn’t come into that category. Going out with poppies on our armbands is a great gesture.'

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