Popovic points to England's lack of hunger

What is it about Australian sportsmen that gives them the clear-eyed confidence to utter such statements as: "Personally, if I knew I was just playing for 45 minutes, then I would have given it all I had."

The inference was unmistakable. Tony Popovic, central defender and goalscorer in the Australian side that humiliated England at Upton Park last Wednesday, felt he was up against opponents who simply did not try. "We went out there to win. We believed we could win and maybe we had a bit more hunger."

As if to drive the point home he draws a sharp distinction between the England of the first half and the 11 who Sven Goran Eriksson swapped them for. "We knew they were going to change and it would be, probably, a more difficult second half with young players coming on who are more keen to impress," says Popovic. "They did everything expected of them. They chased, they harassed, played with a tempo and were all very enthusiastic.

"I think Sven saw something in them which is what he expected, but he would have been disappointed with the first half. His first 11 really let him down."

And what of the talk that Beckham and Co were so desperate to make amends they pleaded to come out for the second 45 minutes? "I don't know whether that is true or not, if they are not putting it in... well, I won't even say that because we outplayed them."

Well, that's enough Pommie-bashing – even if it has been "a fantastic month" for Popovic, the Sydney-born defender with a Croatian father who joined First Division Crystal Palace two years ago. The only disappointment came towards the end of Wednesday's memorable victory when Popovic was forced to depart because of the groin injury that will keep him out of today's FA Cup tie against Leeds United.

It means he will miss out on an encounter with his compatriot Harry Kewell, the outstanding player in midweek. Popovic, of course, has already kept Michael Owen at bay for the two games in the previous round of the FA Cup against Liverpool and for 45 minutes against England. He does not have to say it but, on current form, it is clear that the contest the 29-year-old defender will miss today would have been the trickier.

Also there, of course, will be Terry Venables, now in charge of Leeds United, and the one-time coach of the Socceroos. "Speaking from my personal experience he was brilliant, a great manager," says Popovic. "I saw a lot and learnt a lot in a short space of time."

Venables had another short – and more disastrous – recent tenure at Selhurst Park, his second time in charge of Palace. It ended acrimoniously after seven months. So his former coach can expect a hostile reception? "Yeah, they [the fans] had a different kind of history with him than I have. That's not surprising really. Palace fans have their own reasons to be upset with him."

Despite his latest achievements, Popovic admits he has an unfortunate habit of missing big matches through injury. He was ruled out of Australia's World Cup play-off games 14 months ago against Uruguay and missed the France 98 play-offs when Australia, under Venables, surrendered a 2-0 lead to Iran. The defeat of England, Popovic says, may just "kick-start" football in Australia just as the team, with the squad based in Europe, appear set to start playing their "home" games in London. "It's logical for us to move," he says.

Popovic was brought to Palace on a free transfer, after a couple of failed attempts to gain a work permit, by Steve Bruce following four years in Japan with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. "I always wanted to come to England and Palace are a big, ambitious club, and it is not that long ago they were in the Premier League.

"Steve Bruce was a factor as well. He was a brilliant defender and I just felt that there was an opportunity to learn something from him. But you know what football is like." He is referring, of course, to Bruce's sudden departure.

Palace, now under Trevor Francis, harbour hopes of the play-offs after a slow start to the season. Popovic believes their recent Cup exploits have helped give the players a taste for more. "We are starting to get a feel for what it is like to play a big game every week and we want that to continue," he says.

So, to ask the old cliché, what matters most – to go to Cardiff for the FA Cup or the play-offs? The latter, he says, although he adds whimsically: "The FA Cup final and the play-offs? That would be an ideal season and complete the puzzle for me."