Reflecting on criticism for his poor performances in previous World Cup finals, he said: "I think I probably put myself under too much pressure. Maybe it is the media putting me under pressure and I have tried to respond to it, whereas this time I haven’t.
"I am going to enjoy it. I have really enjoyed it up to now with the preparations, I am excited for this tournament and I am enjoying working with the younger lads and the experienced lads.
"Honestly I feel great. I feel better than I have done for years and I am ready for this tournament. I know that if I can play my game then I can do well."
He continued: "I think I have just had time to prepare with the team. I have gone into tournaments with little niggles or some different things. But here I haven’t missed a session, I feel great and I am just really excited for Saturday.
"I have learnt to enjoy this one because I haven’t enjoyed the last ones and it hasn’t gone well. And all of a sudden you are looking back and they have gone so I didn’t enjoy them.
"This one I am going to enjoy regardless of what happens and I am going to make good memories from this one."