England's qualifying campaign continues on Saturday against Northern Ireland at Old Trafford, where the Group Six leader should move a step closer to the finals.

For Ferdinand, who missed their run to the Euro 2004 quarter-finals due to an eight-month suspension, England have what it takes to win the tournament.

"As a team, it's time to fulfil our potential," he told reporters on Thursday.

"We've got players who have been to two or three tournaments and there are young players coming into the team who have got good experience with their clubs.

"We've got to put it in to practice now.

"We know we've got the individuals, but it's obvious that you don't win anything just with individuals. We've got to make sure we become a great collective team.

"Greece brought that home to everyone at Euro 2004.

"If you play as a team, if you're prepared and you set your stall out in the right way to suit your players, you've got as good a chance as anyone of winning the tournament."

With the likes of Manchester United team mate Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen up front, plus Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in midfield, Ferdinand believes England has not been stronger since he started his international career back in 1997.

"I don't think a manager has had a better squad of players to pick from," he said. "If we can get the balance right, we've got agood chance of doing something with this team."

Despite the talent available in every department, Ferdinand is not fussy about how they grind out results.

"If I win the World Cup and we play rubbish in every game you won't be talking about us playing rubbish in 30 years' time-- you'll be talking about us having won," he said.

"Winning the World Cup or any tournament means too much to talk about team or individual performances. Results mean more than anything else."