ANDREW FLINTOFF will lead England out at the WACA tomorrow having told his side they are playing one of the biggest matches of their careers in the crucial third Ashes Test.
The England captain and the rest of the squad have picked themselves up from the heartbreak of defeat on the final day at Adelaide and are now determined to bounce back from their 2-0 deficit.
No England team in history has either drawn or won a series with a 2-0 deficit and they are aware it will need another record-breaking display to halt Australia's march towards the Ashes.
"I don't think we need any more motivation," claimed Flintoff.
"We're in Australia playing an Ashes series and for all of us now it's probably the biggest Test match of our careers.
"We don't need any more motivation and everyone is up for it in the dressing room.
"We've practised well over the last few days, Adelaide is gone now and we've moved on."
England's ability to bounce back has been tested before when they came back from losing the first Test to win the Ashes in 2005, but this is a far greater proposition.
While a draw would keep them in the series, the tourists know that another defeat in the remaining three Tests will signal the end of their Ashes hopes just 14 months after regaining them after an 18-year gap.
"We've got to believe we can get back in the series, but we can't get ahead of ourselves," said Flintoff, right.
"There are three Test matches left but we can't look too far forward.
"This Perth Test is huge, we've got to get back into the series with ideally a win and if not a draw and then the last two will look after themselves.
"After the loss in Adelaide it was a little bit flat which you'd expect after a defeat like that but the team have been great throughout.
"There is still that confidence and the calmness which we've had all along on this trip and it's a side full of character and that's going to have to come out in this Test."
England, as usual, have kept their selection plans secret and do not intend to announce it until the toss tomorrow, but left-arm spinner Monty Panesar is widely tipped to play his first Ashes Test.
Panesar is expected to be recalled after claiming 32 wickets in his opening 10 Tests, but he may earn his selection as part of a two-man spin attack alongside Ashley Giles rather than instead of him.
The WACA pitch, traditionally a haven for fast bowlers, has slowed down in recent years and now suits spin.
Flintoff should also be fit to take his place in the attack after overcoming the discomfort he felt on his troublesome left-ankle, which was operated on for a second time last July.
"My ankle is fine," he added.
"After my surgery I probably naively thought everything would be fine and I'd get no pain ever again in my life.
"Playing back-to-back Test matches is tough and I've not done it for a while and I did get some discomfort.
"I had it checked out and I've bowled since, so it's not something I'm concerned about."
England may also switch their seam attack to include Sajid Mahmood, although this seems less likely.
