Paul Ince and Dennis Wise are both entirely at home with England this week, even if the reasons are very different.

For Ince, the chance to immerse himself in the crash and bash of international football is something he relishes.

Best pal Wise, however, admits he is not unhappy to be in a squad where English is the first, rather than the second, language.

The Chelsea skipper readily pays tribute to the foreign legion at Stamford Bridge for providing the springboard for his international recall. Yet, occasionally he does feel a little alone. 'It was pointed out the other day that I was the only one singing the National Anthem at the Cup Final,' said Wise, grinning. 'Sometimes it's nice to come somewhere where everyone speaks the same language.

'At Chelsea we're trying to get everyone to speak English but it's very hard for some of them - Gianfranco (Zola) has been here a while and still doesn't speak it!'

Like Wise, Middlesbrough's Ince knows Euro 2000 represents his last major championships and he is already preparing for a tussle with Riverside Stadium teammate Christian Ziege, with whom he crossed swords four years ago.

Ince said: 'I remember I smashed him after five minutes in the Euro 96 semi-final and he wasn't too pleased. He's told me that he'll get me back when we play them. I like to be in the thick of things. I like to be where it's all happening and tackles are flying about. That will always be my game.'

Conventional wisdom suggests Wise and Ince could be rivals for one spot in the team this summer, yet there is no animosity, only friendship.

Ince said: 'People expect that, because we're the same type of player, we don't get on but that's absolutely wrong. We go out for dinner and do the things you do as mates. He's a fantastic player.'

If Wise had heard that, he might have blushed. Instead, he chose to return the compliment: 'Paul's been to tournaments like this all the way through his career. He's a great fellow to have about. I admire the man.'