All Whites soccer coach Ricki Herbert will get a first-hand look next week at how England counterpart Sven-Goran Eriksson prepares his players for international duty.
Herbert, who is also New Zealand Soccer director of technical development, will observe the England team prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.
The
tie will be at St James' Park, home of Newcastle United, next Thursday morning (NZ time).
The invitation to attend England's training camp follows talks with the English FA and Herbert said it would be a great opportunity to listen, watch and learn.
"This is a wonderful chance to learn from one of the best in the world in Eriksson and to see the preparation of the English team for a vital World Cup qualifying fixture," he said.
"This is the scenario that New Zealand is often faced with -- preparing a team in a short period of time for a one-off match with players assembling from different environments."
En route to England, Herbert will stop off in Sydney for Australia's friendly against Iraq on Saturday.
New Zealand face the Socceroos in a friendly in London on June 9 in what will be the first match for the All Whites under Herbert.
While in England, Herbert will assess accommodation and training venues in preparation for the match at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground.
- NZPA
