大象传媒

What's your role at Euro 2008?
I'll be providing analysis of the action on Football Focus, World Focus and Match of the Day as well as acting as co-commentator for some games. I'll also be blogging for the 大象传媒 Sport website.

Which football team do you support?
I've got a soft spot for several teams. I grew up a Charlton fan because my dad, , played for them for 17 years, but my first kit was a Newcastle United one. There's also lot of affection for Chelsea and QPR in my house. My son, who was born while I played for Chelsea, is a fan of the Blues, while I started and finished my career at QPR.

Who is your favourite player?
. When I was growing up I had all the videos of the great Brazil teams of the 60s and 70s, and I had one of Pele's training videos as well. I lived in the US when my dad was a coach out there and had the fortune to meet and shake the hand of the great man. To a 10-year-old kid, that had a huge impact. I didn't just admire his skills on the pitch, I also loved the way he conducted himself off it. As for English heroes, well, there were three: Bryan , Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan. I got to play under Glenn and Kevin, too.

Who is your ideal sporting dinner guest?
. I think boxing is the hardest sport there is. No other sport can quite match its level of bravery, intensity and excitement. As for Muhammad Ali, he captivated the world with his personality and had the courage of his convictions. He also had a special way with people.

What's the best bit of advice you've received?
That talent will only get you so far. The rest is about sweat and dedication. That applies to all walks of life. When I left and knew I was retiring, I told the youth players to give it everything they had and have no regrets because they had an opportunity to die for.

Tell us something about yourself not many people may know...For the last nine months I've been studying for a .

Disappointed the Home Nations didn't make it to Euro 2008?
I'm always disappointed when England don't qualify for a major tournament. I am very passionate about my country. My wife is half-Scottish while my great grandfather was Irish, so I'd loved for the Home Nations to have been there.

Will there be another surprise winner?
I don't think so on this occasion. The team I think will win it is .

Which player will take the tournament by storm?
There are two. If Germany win it, it could be all the way. He's coming into form at just the right time. The other is of France. He is explosive, a Maradona-type of player.

Finally, how many goals will be scored at Euro 2008?
I predict it will be a high-scoring tournament, so let's go for 88.