LIVERPOOL FC youngster Conor Coady will lead England U20s in their World Cup opener against Iraq on Sunday.

The Three Lions captain, from Haydock, and his squad-mates have been training for the competition over the last ten days in Turkey.

After seeing the World Cup begin on Friday, the Liverpool midfielder says England are eager to get involved.

The midfielder told the FA.com: “We’re all looking forward to the game.

“We’ve been here now for a few weeks and it’s come at the right time.

“We’re used to the heat and things like that so we’re ready to go and we’re all fired up for it.”

Despite plenty of international experience in the squad at various levels with England, this is the first time most of the players have sampled a World Cup.

England face Iraq, Egypt and Chile in Group E.

Ex-Rainford High pupil Coady, 20, added: “For every player here, not just from England but from every country, it’s going to be a learning curve for them.

“You won’t do this every day in your life, play against players from around the world.

“I think every player will benefit from this and become a better player.

“We just want to get as far as possible in the tournament and that’s what we’re looking for.”

The match kicks off at 7pm (BST) and is televised on Eurosport.