Karen Carney

After lifting the FA Cup with Arsenal on Monday , Karen Carney and her England teammates had little time to celebrate as they join up later that evening ahead of a crucial Euro 2009 qualifier away to Belarus.

With three games remaining , all away from home , it is vital that Hope Powell's side to get three points from their trip to Minsk , with closet rivals Czech Republic and Spain playing each other on the same day.

Despite the hetic schedule , Carney is confident that the players can achieve the result they want and finish the season on a real high with England.

Carney told The FA.com : " We definitely need three points in this fixture to keep our advantage at the top of the group. We're down to the final three games and every point counts.

We're working hard in training and listening to Hope and her staff , so hopefully we can get the result we want.

The cup final went pretty quickly , and then we were straight into England so it was a little manic and we didn't really have time to celebrate - but I guess we'll have all summer to do that.

It has been really busy and everyone is tired , but we've really got to concentrate on the game.

Everyone is looking forward to the summer , we're all eager to get a couple of weeks off and get a good rest.

We've been playing and training for pretty much 18 months to two years , when you take into account qualification for the World Cup and then the actual tournament.

It has been mad , but I don't think anyone would have it any other way "

Having played her part in a vibrant display by England at the World Cup in China last year , Carney says it is crucial that the success is built upon with constant qualification for major finals.

" It's massively important. For me , I've been to major championship in 2005 and the World Cup last year - and I think everyone will be reaching their peak next year and really we have to be looking to go and do something there.

We've put England on the map but now we have to go and do something even more special , perhaps get to a final - but that's a long way away , and we don't want to look too far ahead of ourselves.

We definitely want to be there again and be part of a major tournament , it was such an amazing feeling taking part; the build up , the training sessions everything about it it is incredible ".

As for Belarus , Carney is expecting a similar proposition to that which she faces regularly when on domestic duty with Arsenal , but admits that respect will be given to the home sid eon Thursday evening.

" When I play for Arsenal in the league a lot of teams tend to stand off us a bit. They hold out as long as possible and I think Belarus will do the same.

We've faced that before and it is important that we keep our discipline and do our jobs. We'll have to be patient in breaking them down and pay them respect as opponents , but everyone will be looking to give 100% as our last game of the season We want the result and we're going to put everything in to get it ".

I watched the final and i must say Carney can play. She made some great runs from midfield!

She has been so consistent this season.
Contrary to most England players who had a poor season due to the World Cup exhaustion, she did not suffer at all and improved compared to last season. Funny to note Sanderson as well had a good season
and the defensive type player level did drop a lot this season