Look Roo's back: The Manchester United ace returns to action for England on Tuesday after serving his ban

He also knows about the fear, the nerves that can affect players when they start playing  tournament football with so much at stake.

 Vieira is in Al Jazeera's television studio, picking his way through the tournament and reminding himself of the pressure the players are under.

He said: 'As an international, I would play the game maybe 10 or 15 times in my head before I got on the pitch and my legs would be jelly.

'England reminded me a bit of that in their first game against France. They lacked ambition and I was surprised because I expected them to try to win the game - they were scared of France.

'Beating Sweden creates something strong and against Ukraine they also have the benefit of Wayne Rooney. England have to play their best player and Rooney is England's best player by far.'

The Manchester United striker promises he will channel his anger, and discipline is an area where Vieira has particular expertise after being sent off 10 times in his Arsenal career.

 In his role as football executive at Manchester City he is working closely with Italy striker Mario Balotelli.

Vieira said: 'There is no doubt about Mario's talent, he is a matchwinner but he needs to grow up. He needs to understand how good a player he is. He is a young man and it is normal to make mistakes.

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