WHEN Malaysia face England in the Sudirman Cup today in Vantaa, Finland, it is against an "underrated" team that came out tops the last time out.
Even then, a formidable Malaysian side, led by world No 1 Lee Chong Wei, fell 3-2 to plucky England in the group stage in 2007 in Glasgow.
England may have no outstanding individuals but they play like old hands when it comes to mixed team competitions.
And today, a young Malaysian team, with an average age of 22, led by All-England champion Lee Zii Jia, need to be mature enough to deal with the wily English.
Zii Jia, who admitted there is pressure on his team, has called on his compatriots to stay calm and focused in their opening group match.
The Kedahan pointed out that he had gone through this before, having been thrown into the deep end after being made the first men's singles at the 2019 edition in Nanning, China.
"At that time, I was very stressed, but once I managed to handle the pressure, I felt at ease," he said.
As the captain at a relatively young age of 23, Zii Jia has to lead by example.
"We are a young team and everybody is looking to me, and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik for inspiration.
"I know it can get overwhelming but there really is no choice but to face your nerves and anxiety head on. Once you get through it, you're fine."
Zii Jia said he did not want to add more stress, or confuse his teammates by giving a lot of advice. He would rather leave this duty to the coaches and officials.
"For now, the team are in good spirits. Everybody is just excited to play," he said.
Apart from Zii Jia and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists, Aaron-Wooi Yik, Malaysia are expected to field S. Kisona in women's singles, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah in women's doubles and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See in mixed doubles against England.
England's strength lies in the doubles, with Ben Lane-Sean Vendy (men's doubles), Chloe Birch-Lauren Smith (women's doubles) and Marcus Ellis-Lauren Smith (mixed doubles) all looking dangerous.
Malaysia must stop these three English pairs from getting three points or else it will be a sad repeat of Glasgow.
Zii Jia will take on Johnnie Torjussen, 22, or Ethan Rose, 18, in men's singles while Kisona is expected to face Chloe in women's singles.
Malaysia need to finish at least second in Group D to qualify for the quarter-finals. The other teams in the group are Japan and Egypt.
Malaysia have never won the Sudirman Cup; their best achievement was reaching the semi-finals in 2009 in Guangzhou.
RESULTS
Group A: China 5 0 Finland, Thailand 4 1 India
Group B: Taiwan 5 0 Tahiti
