ESPN Soccernet - Editor's Blog - Gerrard-lite will not do for England

Posted by John Brewin on 03/24/2009

Steven Gerrard was last week hailed as the best player in the world by none other than Zinedine Zidane, a man more than acquainted with that label.

On recent form, Zizou might just be right, as Real Madrid, Manchester United and Aston Villa will attest. Yet this weekend and next week, we expect to see a different Gerrard. Because, dear readers, "Stevie G", as he is never called by Fabio Capello, in contrast to the toothy chumminess of Steve McClaren, will be playing for England.

Put an England shirt on him and that strutting, probing and driving style that this week made former Liverpool midfielder Terry McDermott able to place Gerrard alongside Kenny Dalglish in the Anfield pantheon, becomes diluted. Gerrard's ability to power around the field, fighting and winning battles as he goes, has rarely been viewed during his England career.

With 70 caps to his name, and an England career begun way back in 2000, meaning only David James, David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand have served longer, Gerrard is in real danger of becoming one of those great club players who has failed to produce for his country. England have been here before with a Liverpool player. In the late 80s and early 90s, John Barnes was the most devastating talent in the English game yet failed to show for his country time and again.

Barnes retired with 79 caps yet the abiding adage of his England career was that in his first year as an international he scored one of his country's greatest goals (vs Brazil in 1984) yet by 1995, the year of his last ever appearance, had failed to produce anything remotely comparable. In the intervening years Barnes could not facsimilie his form for Watford or Liverpool, especially not Liverpool, and is nowadays probably best remembered for his rapping on EnglandNewOrder's "World in Motion" pop single.

Barnes was often said to not suit the national team's style of play, then a more traditional English-style brand of the game. Yet Chris Waddle, a comparable talent who lacked Barnes' athleticism, produced better and more consistent performances before Graham Taylor decided to dispense with his services in 1990 while keeping faith - amazingly to many - with Barnes. Mind you, "Diamond Lights" was no a match for Barnes' musical achievement. Meanwhile, Glenn Hoddle, co-vocalist on that anti-classic was another to amass a truckload of caps but shine only dimly compared to the superlatives of his club career.

The apologists will state that Gerrard had a decent 2006 World Cup, finishing as top scorer for Sven Goran Eriksson's team. Though that is akin to saying he was the best-tasting fruit of a rotten bunch. And then there is always the old excuse that he and Frank Lampard have never gelled together. Coaches trying to squeeze square pegs in round holes is the most often rolled-out view here.

Whatever your opinions on Lampard, this does not allow for the fact that Gerrard's versatility as a Liverpool player, or willingness to try to be so, has not transposed to his England persona. For both Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez he has played across the midfield, as a forward and even, most famously in Istanbul, as full-back. All with distinction yet not so for England.

Back in May 2006, the man himself had this to say: "I've got 40 caps and I've only played in my strongest position [attacking central midfield] for England for 45 minutes. I know I can translate my form for Liverpool on to the international stage. But people might have to be a little patient." September 2008 saw him proclaim "I've played in my favourite position for England five times in 68 games. I've paid the price for being able to do a decent job in other positions."

Such statements indicate Gerrard's discomfort with playing for his country, an unease with his own lack of performance. The latter carries a heavy sense of resignation.. That gap between 45 minutes and five games shows that he had at least been granted his head and played in his favourite role in the interim between them.

One performance alone stands out in recent year, a 45-minute cameo of Liverpool-esque determination and inspiration that pulled his country back from the brink. Against Andorra. Yes, the butchers, bakers and candlestickmakers of a tiny principality felt the brunt of a Gerrard onslaught that has seen off the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barcelona, Roma and all of England's "big four" over the years.

Few other great individual performances stand out though he was one of several who turned it on against Germany in 2001's 5-1 win in Munich. Injury may have precluded his involvement in 2002 but he was only fair-to-middling/disappointing at both Euro 2004 and Germany 2006. And when the chips were down for Steve McClaren, a manager who praised had him to high heaven, Gerrard was as big a flop as any when Russia and Croatia ended hopes of a trip to Austria and Switzerland for the summer of 2008.

As yet, for Capello, he has shown mere glimpses. Having missed another chance to shine against the Andorrans and the high watermark of a 4-1 win in Croatia through injury in which Lampard played well in his absence, he was again anonymous as England huffed and puffed to a highly flattering 5-1 win over Kazakhstan. A goal against Belarus was his first in 18 months yet it took Wayne Rooney and Heskey to secure victory in Tblisi.

Should Gerrard continue to pale then Capello, unlike the starstruck previous incumbents in his job, may choose to do without him. Don Fabio has never been afraid to drop stars, as David Beckham and assorted members of his AC Milan team of the 1990s could vouch. The Italian national team, meanwhile, has never been afraid to do without its greatest stars. AS Roma's Francesco Totti, a player as comparable a godhead for his club as Gerrard is for Liverpool, never settled as an Azzurri player while Roberto Baggio spent periods in international exile. There are those Liverpool fans who believe he should follow Jamie Carragher into self-imposed exile yet that must surely rankle to an England fan as a waste of a great talent.

Gerrard may just be the most in-form player in Europe at the moment, with apologies to Lionel Messi, yet, to truly be the best player in the world and a true great, as the career of Zidane himself confirms, he needs to shine on the international stage for that crown to sit comfortably.

Comments

Posted by santhira kumar on 03/24/2009

tell that to the foolish coaches who don't allow Gerrard to play
'his game'.

Posted by Geoff on 03/24/2009

I think certain journalists try to make this point some times in order to create a story when there really isn't one. Gerrard plays well enough for England and is usually their best player. Maybe not as good as he does for Liverpool, but he's either out of position or has to get to the ball before fat Frank. Then you being from Macclesfield probably have a little agenda of your own don't you?

Posted by Big Mintz on 03/24/2009

The English team is far too selfish for Gerrard to truly produce for his side. And if people do expect Gerrard to produce like he does with Liverpool, then Capello needs to put him in an attacking position. If Gerrard is actually this successful as a 2nd striker, does England have any better options? And considering that there are no other superb strikers besides Rooney, why not just put Rooney as the main striker and Gerrard as second? Plus this would be better for the already conjested England midfield...

Posted by Ryan on 03/24/2009

It is not the same with Gerrard for England. He just doesn't care as much. And with good reason. His heart belongs to Liverpool, Anfield, and the fans who would die for him, not the ones who boo when there hasn't been a goal in the first half.

He has played well for England, but I think in the international stage, he needs to be doing what he does best: making those defense splitting passes, taking great shots from around the box and finishing in the superb fashion he always does.

Put him in the CAM role and get somebody else to go tackle people and feed the balls forward. He is at the peak of his game when it comes to attacking, and everyone can see when linked with a quality striker such as Torres the team is unstoppable.

Posted by Dineshwar Lal on 03/24/2009

Sorry John, I dont agree with your comment that for Gerrard to be regarded as the best player in the world, he needs to perform well for England.
Looking at the Premier league (with the cream of international stars)and The Champions League (once again the best players from around the world) and Gerrard's performance in these two comps....it can be easily said that he is the best player in the world.
And coming back to the national team, name one other player who has been asked to play in the various positions in his 70 caps and has performed as efficiently as Gerrard has. Even at the left side of the midfield, he has performed better then some of the naturally left footed English midfielders.
So mate, although in your opinion he may yet not be the best player in the world....but in mine he certainly is.
Note: that Ronaldo(Man Utd) has won all the major awards last year and is the current footballer of the year....have you seen him transform his Man Utd form on the National level?

Posted by Anonymous on 03/24/2009

'Should Gerrard continue to pale then Capello, unlike the starstruck previous incumbents in his job, may choose to do without him.'

hehe.. then it is england's loss (and liverpool's gain).

So many 'stars' disappoint when they play for england. What's new?

Posted by Anonymous on 03/25/2009

I would give the world player of the year award to Gerrard before even thinking of the names C. Ronaldo and L. Messi. Atleast Gerrard has the confidence of the players around him to lend them the ball, unlike the two who believe there is no one else worthy to be one the same pitch as them. Fuck you and your damn popularity contest.

Posted by Steven on 03/25/2009

Adding on to what others have already said, Gerrard deserved the captain's armband. He's always been one who is ready to shoulder the responsibility and drive the team forward. Looking back at when Gerrard took the Liverpool armband, he stepped his game up. In the England squad, the armband has gone to John Terry. Is he really gonna be playing better with or without the armband? If it's going to be a greater benefit to give it to Gerrard, then why haven't the England coaches done it already?

Oftentimes football analysts only talk about Gerrard from a statistical point of view. 70 caps, 5 in his favoured positions, goals scored, player ratings. There's a reason he's so special to us Liverpudlians, and it's not cuz of these statistics, it's because of those moments of brilliance he gives to the team and leaves us fans in awe of him.

Get behind him and let's see England win something. Stevie Gerrard will always be a hero to us Liverpudlians, even if England fans fail to agree with us.

Posted by chengzhe on 03/25/2009

You watch him play in a 4-4-2, even for Liverpool, is not the same as him playing in a 4-5-1. With Alonso AND Mascherano, Gerrard doesn't track back nearly as much as he would otherwise do. As good as the man is, he can't be expected to teleport from one box to another.

What one has to credit Benitez, is that he found the perfect role for Gerrard that few coaches can.

Posted by Krishna on 03/25/2009

Play Gerrard behind Rooney with Rooney as the main striker. Enough of the Crouch's and the Heskey's.

Posted by Stuart on 03/25/2009

I'm sorry mate but I think you are being a bit harsh on Gerrard. Firstly he was very good in his younger days for England. When he played alongside paul Scholes he was probably England's second best player behind MIchael Owen in Sven's famous 5-1 victory over Germany scoring a great goal, getting an assist and completely dominating Michael Ballack.

He was then asked to play left midfield at Euro 2004 and defensive midfield at the world cup 2006 to accomidate Lampard. If Capello can use him right he will score goals and he will play well. But as Capello doesn't strike me as a manager willing to build a team around certain individuals we may well have to wait a while.

You fail to mention all the other England players int he modern who can't reproduce there club form on the international stage most notably Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney

Posted by Coln on 03/25/2009

I'm sorry that I have to disagree with your comments. Steven Gerrard is the best footballer on the planet,period. Best does not mean most skillful. Can you envision anybody who is more important to their club than he is?

Steven is not allowed to play for England in the same manner as Liverpool. He also has to share the ball with ballhogs such as Lampard and Rooney just to name a few. Still, he performs reasonably well when asked to play out of position.

Gerrard can create, tackle, and score with the best of them. His drive and enthusiasm is also second to none. If Capello gives him the same free reign that Benitez allows, I bet you'll be seeing more remarkable performances for England.

Posted by Zhuo Mingde on 03/25/2009

i do not agree with your statement of "he needs to shine on the international stage for that crown to sit comfortably." With respect to C.Ronaldo, he was largely anonymous during the international stages (what did he do during world cups and euros?), not to mention he has the tendency to be invisible in the big games as well.

Yes you may argue that the big teams tend to mark Ronaldo often, but isnt that the same to Gerrard? Can you please explain why it was Gerrard who performed better in the big game? Then does that means Ronaldo dont deserve the World Player of the world?

No,he fully deserved it,for being consistent throughout the year on CLUB level as that is where most games are played. You cant expect players to perform well in an international game prior to just some trainning sessions dont you?

Besides, the England team keeps on changing, its more like the whole England team failed to gel rather than just Lampard and Gerrard

Posted by Aitchie on 03/25/2009

Barnes and Gerrard are excellent for Liverpool and fail to perform for England.

Souness, Dalglish and Hansen rarely performed for Scotland.

Rush was never the same for Wales.

A quandary indeed. Maybe the style of football played at Liverpool just suits the players more than British international football. Maybe Liverpool play "good" football as opposed to the limited yet effective football from the national teams?

After all, Torres seems to have no problems translating domestic form into international form - but then again his Spanish colleagues play a fluid passing style similar to the Pool.

Posted by Nzo on 03/25/2009

Dineshwa,

Best player in the world is still Kaka.. Does it on any stage.

Ronaldo is a flop on the international level.

Gerrard plays solid for England, but they ask him to play a CM role instead of a CAM role that he plays in Liverpool.. hence he is out of position. That is why Gerrard/Lampard connection has never worked. Gerrard should be in CAM and have another central midfielder play a CDM role like Javier does for Liverpool.

Posted by Chris on 03/25/2009

2 reasons why Gerrard cant perform as well for England.

- he lost the captain's band to John Terry. Steve has only really come of age when he was made Liverpool captain. To perform at the level he did, its not just a matter of skills and knowledge. Being captain brought out this inner strength beyong technical abilities as well as gave him the link by which to influence players around him.

- England's over emphasis on system and strategy. Everytime i watch Gerrard play for England, i get reminded of a dog on leash. Wrong positioning could be the reason but i feel its more the constant defensive mindset drilled by international managers. In short Gerrard is not allowed to play he's game

Posted by Zhuo Mingde on 03/25/2009

Every team needs to play regularly together and that goes the same for England and Gerrard, seeing Gerrard performing better on international stages is just proving my theory right.

Besides, Gerrard have been the best player for England for years.

Posted by Tom on 03/25/2009

I was a bit confused by this article..of all the people/"stars" in the england team, he chose to single out Gerard for reason only known to him. Just because Zidane said he is the best player in the world? Maybe the writer won't bring this matter up if Zidane said Rooney or Lampard is the best player in the world now. Please bear in mind that England is just a 1 time winner of world cup which was staged in England back in 1966 with a dubious goal. With that "marvellous" achievement, can it be assumed that Gerard is not the best player in the world just because his national team failed? If that is the reason, please strip down the Best player of the world award from Christiano Ronaldo coz coz i don't remember Portugal winning anything in the last 30 years!

Posted by redsfan on 03/25/2009

Compare playing 60 odd games a year with the same players under the same coach week-in week-out for 5 years to the odd 5-10 games england play a year, do you think its any wonder that players tend to perform better for clubs? Lets not just look at gerrard though, what about the rest of the england team? How many of them have put in exceptional performances? Zizou made some telling contributions on the world stage because the team he was playing in had players that also performed. Is gerrard expected to carry the team around? If England team are outdone by others tactically, its hardly gerrard or the other players fault that they put in sub-par performances. Maybe rafa benitez should be given the england job and he might be able to get the best out of gerrard :-P

Posted by Gerrard Bodoh on 03/25/2009

Gerrard is a rotten brat. He just doesn't have the heart to play for England. Period.

Posted by DarrenP on 03/25/2009

It should be a holistic assessment of Gerrard in the various levels of competitions rather pinning him down on his achievements as an England player. At club level, he usually gets to play his preferred position, whereas at national level, his versatility means that he can be chosen in any role on the field, albeit goalkeeper.

Posted by Shawn Liew on 03/25/2009

What then, may I ask, has Wayne Rooney done for England since an exceptional Euro 2004?

And is it only me, who thinks that Frank Lampard, is nowhere even remotely close to the talent that Gerrard is? Gerrard had to play on the right wing for Liverpool because in the infancy of Benitez's reign, Liverpool simply had no player with the necessary quality to play there. For England, Gerrard had to play, on occasions, and may I add, ridiculously, on the left wing, in order to accommodate a far inferior player in Lampard to play in Gerrard's preferred central position.

Also, I don't agree that Gerrard has to 'perform' for England to prove himself as a world class player. He has prove, time and again, that he is a world class player in an excellent and ever-improving Liverpool side. Gerrard doesn't perform for England? May I dare ask, which England player does? Fact is, Gerrard plays in a mediocre England team. Sometimes, you are as good as the players around you.

Posted by Patrick Garrity on 03/25/2009

This is bogus. You condemn him in victory and defeat. "Sure, he scored against Belarus, but somebody else had to score, too, for England to win." "Oh, yeah, they beat Kazahstan by four, but I didn't notice him at all." That's weak. Group Gerrard all you want in England's international failures, but you must acknowledge he's in good company. To hold those failures against him is unfair, and to blame him solely -- which this smells of -- is a silly joke.

Posted by opm9035 on 03/25/2009

The only problem I see with scrutinizing Gerrard's performances for the national side is how many English players have played consistently well for their country over the last few decades? Surely now there is no one who shines in the England jersey. I see England side as an epic failure across the board. Nobody stands out so why target Gerrard?

Posted by Anonymous on 03/25/2009

Come on, the England team has been overrated for quite some time, still playing long balls. Can you expect a remarkable performance when you have players like Downing in your side? He is the leader @ LFC, but in the England team, it seems like fat Lampard wants to take initiatives & b at the centre of all actions.

Gerrard is definitely the best player of the world at this moment and a legent@ LFC

Posted by Tushar on 03/25/2009

Gerrard should play as the no. 10, like he does for Liverpool and Rooney must be dropped. Play someone like Agbonlahor/ Ashton/ Carlton Cole ahead of Gerrard.

Posted by Rahul on 03/25/2009

The problem in International matches is that
Gerrard is like God in liverpool, even though he gives some wrong passes with Liverpool, that's acceptable because he's their key player, and they know, if they allow Gerrard to play as he likes throughout the match, he'll do ver well.. Unfortunately such a thing is not there for England.
Also, in international matches, teams tend to sit back a bit more, so its more difficult for England(with no world class strikers) to score unless they play a more attacking formation like 4-3-1-2 with Gerrard as attacking MF.
Also, Gerrard is played as a midfielder when his prefered role is attacking midfielder. So, when Gerrard goes too far ahead while attacking, he needs someone to track the other teams on counter attack...This is where Mascherano and Alonso come into play. England however play with a 4-4-2 formation, and there's no one to clear the mess that Gerrard creates sometimes while trying to attack too much..

Posted by sanstikaa on 03/25/2009

I am very sure and in support of those that say there is no other better player than Gerrard,Gerrard is getting better by the day,he is not just scoring goals but also creating goal and defending,what better player do you want to mention? Messi or Ron diver,Ron-diver would ve better be a swimmer than becoming a footballer,and feel on top of the world..for me,i think they should better make him a ref so that he would be blowing for all united players.Gerrard is just unlucky that he is not always nominated....

Posted by Wind on 03/25/2009

This is so true. Why not try asking C.Ronaldo to play at a different position for the National team and expect him to play well?
He got every single awards last year, but he can only play well as a winger.
While Gerrard can play well at so many different positions, he did not get any award.
This year, people are saying Messi and Vidic are going to win the Player of the year award. Why not try asking them to play out of position?
As for England, Gerrard was playing well when partnering Barry in midfield. If England wants to play Gerrard as second striker, they can play Ronney as the front striker. If England wants to play him as midfielder, play him with Barry.

Posted by pp on 03/25/2009

The current "greats" like Kaka, Messi, Ronaldo haven't stand out that much on the international stage either. Yes, Kaka got the world cup, but he didn't put on the 2007-CL-conquering AC milan form. Brazil won because of better team. Messi is always good for Argentina, but he hasn't got a championship (Olympics don't count). Ronaldo has been a flop so far on international stage.
Gerrard is not a focal point for England like he is for liverpool, and that surely affect his style of play.

Posted by Brett on 03/25/2009

I must say i find it rather odd that the above writers/comment makers seem so offended. I would have assumed that for anyone to be the best player in the world, they have to prove themeselves on the worlds highest stage? If you look at the past winners (with the possible exception of C.Ronaldo) they all fit into this category.

Whilst i agree that Gerrards best position is SS, i would make the point that he is playing behind one Fernando Torres, a powerful, strong, fast striker who adds more to the Liverpool team than just goals. If Gerrard was behind Robbie Keane, i would be very suprised if he (or Liverpool) would be in the same position.

Which is the whole point. ENGLAND DOESNT HAVE A STRIKER. Its choc-a-bloc full of midfielders and capable second strikers. Everyone thinks they have solutions (Heskey isnt one, and Rooney's game doesnt suit) but i would hate to have that drama if i was Fabio.

Posted by daniel on 03/25/2009

For me Gerrard has been and still is the best player in England national team, i dont know where the under performing thing comes from. I think if He was playeed at his position and given the captainancy (to control some arrogant players in there) he would have the same impact as in liverpool even better. There just too much hype on Lampard,Terry and Rio and i wonder if the FA is political.

Why was Ronaldo named best player? what he he done so far for his country? is he as influencial in Man U? Listen up, as long as we continue to be biased, nothing good will ever come out us and certainly England wont do well.

Gerrard is still the best in the world

Posted by doremi on 03/25/2009

England needs to play the Liverpool way if Gerrard is to be devastating. Just put him as the 2nd striker. Put Rooney in the Dirk Kuyt role, Joe Cole/Lennon in the Riera role (even if they're not left-footed), put Walcott in the Torres role, Leighton Baines for Aurelio (LB) instead of lousy Ashley Cole, and Gareth Barry/Hargreaves in the Mascherano/Alonso roles. England will be successful. Guaranteed.

Posted by Roar Olsen on 03/25/2009

Here we go again, another journalist that like to give the English team his own voice, especially when he knows that it will be controversial after Gerrard´s recent displays.
It should be as simple as this, why don´t we turn the question around, which Manager have managed to get the best out of what is called "the best English generation of players in a long time" ...???
How can a person even remotely interested in football question only Gerrard, and not the tactics and the English side as a whole ??
If the author really believes that everything has been done by the Managers to bring out the "real" Gerrard, but Gerrard have failed completely to respond, I would actually agree with the author, but is that really true.......... and what about the rest, the English side is foremd with top team players, but internationally none have exelled, why, players or management ??

Posted by Charles on 03/25/2009

Well John i think you have fallen off the bus and landed on your head...as you said it like saying he is the best of a bad bunch...well i would rather be the best of a bad bunch than in the middle of that bad bunch...england players are naturaly selfish players and Gerrard & fat frank will never gel as i think frank has to many issues to deal with first before he could actually put his country first...and as Gerrard and Torres play week in and week out together it's only natural that they would get a better understanding of the way the other plays...most of the international games the team gets pulled out of there clubs and quickly work out some strategies then play a couple of games then back to there clubs...it's very unlikly that a "Team" would come together that quickly...just my 2 cents worth...

Posted by Kaustubh Deshpande on 03/25/2009

Honestly you are talking absolute nonsense. Steven Gerrard is the best English player. He has benn employed in various positions under Eriksson and McLaren. The managers panicked in important situations and put Gerrard in the defensive midfielders shoes. They always thought Lampard could attack better than Gerro and hence played him behind the strikers.

Posted by Berfie on 03/25/2009

To put Gerrard doesn't care as much as compare to club is hard to put into quantifying value. Imagine you have groups of players who are aabout the same quality, it'll definitely spread the spotlight, instead of just a player.

England setup is just not going to be the same as club setup, where they train and play almost week-in week-out. The team is not even built around him, thus can't expect him to out-perform his teammates. To say he performs pale-ly, as someone had put, there are even more who performed worst and yet are still in the shout for a call. Totti, Del Piero, Cottee and Fowler are example of those who plays well for club, but pale in comparison for country, yet there are some who plays average for club, yet well for country (e.g Heskey during Liverpool years) and others both (e.g. Shearer, Keane, Zidane).
Some needs a familar face to perform (Heskey and Owen for example).

So to single him out at the moment is just not quite accurate.

Posted by Anonymous on 03/25/2009

dear editor, its your job to write critics but u are no football coach/manager nor professional player. there are just too many factors to consider before playing a player at any positions. Not as simple as the "ABC" u had been writing... Yawn..

Posted by Andre on 03/25/2009

I think this commentary smells of support for other teams Liverpool is fighting against for honours/. To insinuate that Gerrard has never produced consistent performances for England is cheap and far fetched. How many positions has Stevie been asked to play in order to accomodate Chelsea or Man United players? What has Lampard, Carrick, Hargreaves, Barry achieved when they have been fitted into the midfield? To be very honest, Gerrard has never been given the freedom to perform at his best for England because England is so full of rubbish, overrated players like Lampard, Ferdinand and Terry who are only made to look good because of foreign players at their clubs. Example Ferdinand and Vidic, Terry and Carvalho.
So if Stevie will be given the room to be the second striker, he will perform but is he is shunted to the left or a defensive role, then he will certainly do his job and will not stand out. It is because of this negative attitude that some manager tried to frustrate Carragher.

Posted by Curtis on 03/25/2009

Gerrard is a decent Liverpool player, but England leader he's not. Terry know's what to say and when to say it.

Performance is one thing, leadership is another. You can't expect the cornerstone of the the defense to score, but sometimes he does, and usually when it's absolutely neccessary.

Gerrard is great, Rooney, Ferdinand and Lampard too, but Terry is the true leader!

Let's win the World Cup as a Team, then let history sort it out.

Posted by Humphrey on 03/25/2009

Well, such an observation is bound to be interpreted variously and for a good reason! Gerard is certainly a classy act. However, for England he is played to suit the plethora of other payers that also are good at their clubs. And so in England colours you certainly will see him with a strange kind of a run - one that he does not unleash when he is at his club. To paraphrase one famous US politician [Bill Clinton, everyone!]: ITS THE POSITION STUPID!!!! Once Capello [or anyone else for that matter] plays him in his traditional attacking role, then you will see the 'REAL' Gerard folks. I mean the real one!!

Posted by Wiliam on 03/25/2009

Dear John, clearly you haven't been noticing what contrasting styles Gerrard has been asked to play for Liverpool and England. Rafa Benitez too, did try to play Gerrard all over the place. He adapted, AND scored. Steve McClaren got him to play all over the midfield. He adapted, AND scored. Recently, Rafa Benitez gave him the freedom to roam and attack teams as a second striker, while protecting the defence with 2 holding midfielders... and you see how he terrorise the opposition defence?

Clearly the main problem here is not what Gerrard can do in a football match. We know how good he is. It is what the manager "allows" him to do.

And no England manager has yet done that. We shall see this Saturday... we shall see.

er. Playing for England is not the same as playing with Liverpool. You don't play with the same England players week in week out do you? Gerrard, in my opinion, is the missing link in England's fruitless attack. Ask Benitez, he'll tell you how to play Gerrard...

Posted by Vince on 03/25/2009

The article mentioned several points but the few that keep flashing to me is that " Gerrard isnt fantastic ENOUGH for England ".

I think to answer this article, we need to look at other than Capello, what kind of calibre of coaches had England employed before him. England also faced the big question of Left Wing and Forward problem. When a BIG nation had these persistent problems, how could one pin-point on a single player, in this case S.Gerrard.

If we look at Gerrard playing his game for KOPs, the flow and tactics of the game had high requirement. KOP dont play with nice one touch football like Villareal or Barcelona, but their quick direct passes already demolish some teams that we thought are unlikely to happen.

If Rafa coach England, then this article will be talking about someone else. The only argument left that is valid is maybe - Gerrard cannot adapt to style other than Rafa's. Then that would be like saying "your nose isnt 4.95736305735 cm wide". that's no big deal~

Posted by Nicholas Arwa on 03/25/2009

Surely to score few goal did't meens tha Gerad can do every for Englad

Posted by Dandy on 03/25/2009

Its been said by a lot, not many players have translated club performance to national team one over the years.More importantly though, Gerrard has been a sacrificial lamb to accomodate a lot of the players who can only play one or atmost two positions and unfortunately its the price players like him pay allover in football (utiltity players). Instead of us giving them credit for their versatality we seem to want much more than they can offer when asked to play in their not so prefered or productive positions. For me any utility player like Gerrard will always get a nod ahead of the Lampards, Barrys and lot. Is he the best in the world? Currently is influence, contribution on the field and ability to rally his team suggests he is the best (ZiZou was not dreaming folks).

Posted by Brendan on 03/25/2009

Fair criticism with respect to Euro 2004; not so WC 2006.

In 2006, Gerrard was essentially assigned the role of water carrier while Lampard was granted licence to roam. It was a team basically built around Lampard to suit his strengths.

Despite this, Lampard couldn't find the net from 24 mostly prime opportunities. Gerrard from his restricted role got two goals from less than 10 chances, essentially bailing out the bankrupt Lampard in the process.

The only time in Germany Gerrard was granted equivalent licence to that enjoyed by Lampard was the first hour against Portugal, when Hargraeves covered very effectively for both Gerrard and Lampard (in stark contrast to Carrick's attempt the oprevious game).

Of course, Rooney's lack of discipline limited Gerrard's opportunity in that game. Not only did this deny Gerrard the chance to attack as the game opened up (just when his dynamism becomes most dangerous), the games' ultimate result obscured the fact Gerrard had an excellent first hour.

He freed up Rooney in the first ten minutes, sent in a cross Lampard should have turned in within the opening half hour, pulled off a beautiful cover tackle on Ronaldo and went close to playing in Joe Cole.

In the ten minutes after half time, his corner found Lampard in a position he really should have scored from. Even after Rooney's send off, he made a number of big defensive plays and continued to offer dangerous set piece delivery.

By the way, your attempt to typecast anyone who believes Gerrard has been hard done by as "apologists" says much about your lack of confidence in allowing the facts to speak for themselves.

Can't we simply agree England can't expect to see the "Liverpool Gerrard" unless and until they make a similar effort to his club in accentuating his talents?

Posted by pras82 on 03/25/2009

I agree with the strong point that gerrard need to be in the same position (cam) in england squad as he does for liverpool. He is one of the best player in the world. I'm telling this although I'm a manu fan. England has one of the best squad in the world. However, they are not being able to bring those club forms into an international stage. I reckon it is not wise to blame any english players for this conspiracy. Gerrard should be playing behind rooney. wingers should be players like walcott, lennon, joe cole, ashley young, downing. Playing lampard, barry and carrick would be better options in dmf.
By the way I did not agree with the point mentioning that rooney is not a world class striker. He is a world class striker even though he is short tempered. another weakness i found is that england does not have a good goalkeeper since decades. They should be looking for foster now.

Posted by reddersrant on 03/25/2009

John, you have not had a single good thing to say about liverpool. where did you disappear to for the real madrid, man utd and villa maulings? we don't see you writing anything on these do we? all you are doing is criticise, and if there is not a single thing bad you can say at club level, you try to bring it to international level. so typical of the anti-liverpool brigade. well keep grabbing at what you can then, loser.

it is common sense. for a player to play up to his best, his teammates have to match up. have people like rio ferdinand, ashley cole, lampard, rooney eclipsed their club performances? why don't you write about them then?

without a doubt, stevie g is the best player on the planet. simply because he plays with heart. alot of it. more than any other. and we all know his heart is with liverpool. and that inspires everyone around him. ronaldo and rooney will never be able to achieve that. ever.

Posted by bernard careca ogei on 03/25/2009

Its not true that to be the best player you have to shine in the national colours.
How many remember George Weah, if am to ask the country he belonged to most would nod down.
This is Gerard's year with or without England's colours.

Posted by the bikinibandit on 03/25/2009

As many posters here have commented, I dont really have much else to say. This John Brewin whatever guy must have something personal against Steven Gerrard, or Liverpool. And I really am sorry that I took time to read all the article. Garbage!

Posted by atsq on 03/25/2009

In response to one of the comments that John Terry is a good leader because he is a better "talker... I would have to respectfully disagree simply due to the FACT that England have not come close to winning anything in the past few years with the John "The-Motivator" Terry. Perhaps it is time to try a different style and build the team around Gerrard(the best player in the world(tm)) and make him the captain. Perhaps the team would be better motivated by a captain who leads by example and gives his all for his country. Regardless of what other Liverpool fans may think, Gerrard has made it abundantly clear that his love for England is no less than his love for Liverpool. It would be wise for England to make the most of this and use him to his full potential. If they wish not to, could they do us a huge favor and just put him on the bench so that he doesn't get injured doing his best for a losing cause? Thanks.

Posted by ASA Brooklyn on 03/25/2009

When I can't fall asleep at night, I often think of the eleven players I would choose to start games if I was the coach of England. These nights, the selection is a bit easier because of the way Steven Gerrard has been the pivot point of the currently lethal Liverpool attack.

I would recommend that England emulate Liverpool because the Reds have proven their system works against world class opponents AND because England has many of the players with skills similar to Liverpool.
Rooney = Torres. Gerrard = Gerrard. Lennon/SWP = Kuyt. Downing/J. Cole = Riera. Lampard/Barry = Alonso. Carrick = Mascherano.

The Liverpool attack has recently been effective because all of their front 6 work in concert with each other with Gerrard in a forward postion while SIMULTANEOUSLY being in the middle of other skilled palyers.

Anyway, I think England is most fun to watch when they attack.

Cheers.

Posted by Dave Stevens on 03/25/2009

Consistent performances for Liverpool over the years have come with the security of a decent holding player sitting in front of the defence and allowing Gerrard free reign to roam forward. Given our national team's frequent defensive frailties, why we haven't made finding a strong player for this position a priority I do not know.

As for suggestions of who might make sense in that role, I'm not sure whether we could see Barry (who Gerrard has a strong appreciation for) or perhaps Phil Jagielka.

All I know is that an England without Steven Gerrard is not an England I want to see.

Posted by Nihar (Seattle, WA) on 03/25/2009

I agree that Gerrard needs to shine on the international stage to be considered in the same league. To support that argument, he needs to play in the same position as he is most effective for Liverpool

If the presence of Lampard forces Gerrard to be defensive minded, or even play on the left flank (he did a few times!!), you just cannot expect him to be that influential

Shout out to Capello - Play Stevo as a second striker and see what a difference it could make

Posted by Azrul on 03/25/2009

john, what make u think that u r better than zizou? the legend himself said gerrard is the best in the world .. u r not even sunday-league footballer .. and yet try to comment anything that u knoe nothing about .. throw away all ur statistics and look for the real fact .. it's the england team or england setup that is wrong .. not gerrard's fault .. another thing .. how can u critice gerrard more than lampard who had always play in his preferred role but failed to perform? it is really beyond me

Posted by Michael L on 03/25/2009

Gerrard is the type character that revels in responsibility. When playing for LFC, he is captain and the burden is there and thats what brings the best out of such characters.
All of us knows this theory but sometimes we didn't see it. In an organisation or team when you are made to lead & be held answerable then you will react in a different way.
With England he is not given that responsibility (captaincy),then the onous to lead is not placed on him and the above theory comes true. He needs the challenge to excel,period.
Question then turns to Terry. Did he perform? Should England let him lead if he is not even mentioned in the same breath as the other big players?
To be a force in world football,you need to be threatening & score goals and what better way then to let Gerrard lead this charge in the attacking midfield role?

Posted by NaijaPool on 03/25/2009

I dont agree with this writer, though I respect his talent.
You see, the problem is that the England team, like its football press is rotten as a group. Yes, they might be individual talents all over the park, but as a team, they will never, repeat NEVER play good football.
Gerrard plays so well for Liverpool bcos the team is built around him. The English team is not built around any1.
The way you guys rate players is preposterous. I remember when one bald headed Coventry striker was capped simply bcos he was the highest scorer. But you failed to check that he scored 80% of his goals with head from cornerkicks, and the rest from penalty spot.
Yes, you press guys always feel like defending champions b4 going to any turnament. There are lots of imature coaches in the PL. Its only in EPL that the top 4 steam roals all other teams. In other leagues, no1 is not sure of all points even at home.
I think 1st the English mentality must change, then Gerrard and co can shine together

Posted by Tom on 03/25/2009

If Capello can't ge tthe best out of him, no one will. The article was good, showing how Gerrard is willing to bust tail for Liverpool all over the pitch but has always been unhappy doing the same for England. I really think Capello should try Gerrard as the trequartista behind two strikers, but England lacks those as well. The fact is the side has many good midfiedlers and few good forwards, which leads to midfielders out of position and a team without a true game plan. Another option would be to have Gerrard play behind a lone striker, but Rooney has never been a pure center forward, so that may do more harm than good. In short, Gerrard plays as a sort of free man at the Kop, roaming around wherever he pleases and making bombing runs from defense to attack. He is not a legend for England, so he is not given the same leeway. I think he is the best English player in the world by some distance, so I would like to see him succeed, but I just can't see it happening.

Posted by Man U on 03/25/2009

gerrard is good. even if i am a manu supporter i have to admit gerrard is the best lpool player. he is THAT good. i think he just needs to find the balance between club and international football.

Posted by anonymous on 03/25/2009

The posters before me, they did an excellent jop! It is a good time for Soccernet to do a random Drug screening on Jonh before his next blog or his family take him for psychiatric evaluation!

Posted by bj on 03/25/2009

Hogwash.
Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned world footballer of the year purely on his performance in the premiership and champions league.

Posted by Rarus on 03/25/2009

Would you put a square peg on a round hole?
Well thats what your stupid managers have been trying to do for years. Obviously Gerrard cant play with that bloated overrated ego that is Lampard (speaking of underachieving failures at the highest level, or should I say chokers....). If Gerrard isnt good enough to play his favoured position then dont devalue his performances by playing him in a stop gap fashion....oh, sorry....thats how hastily cobbled together English teams bumble through international qualifiers. Hopefully Capello has the 'balls' to ignore egos and reputations (see Beckham the walking billboard) and create a team in which the players are picked and played to their strengths?

Posted by Legin on 03/25/2009

The problem here is easy to see. Brewin is a Man U fan and his jealousy is coming to the fore. Sour grapes from the Editor, I am disappointed with that Jon, I expected better even in light of your constant unveiled Liverpool bashing on the Podcast. As a Liverpool fan I really fear fro what you might do to yourself or others should Liverpool win the title. Your bias knows no bounds Sir.

Posted by Ian on 03/25/2009

The reason Gerrard is doing so well is that he really is almost a striker in the way he approaches the game these days. He's never been the best at turning in space and linking play because his touch is not as refined as say Fabregas. He's more of a thoroughbred who needs to run hard into space, pick the quick killer pass and be able to run onto a ball. No one can doubt his work rate and his ability to strike a dead or moving ball. Rafa has already said that he will probably finish his career as a striker.

Posted by Shwanson on 03/26/2009

Well you say how he has never or hardly played in his correct position for England, so I don't think that entirely blaming Gerrard is fair.

Another reason why England struggle to perform maybe because the national team play at such a slow tempo. All of the national team play in the EPL, bar Beckham, so why not play at the same tempo as it!!! We seem to play at the continental speed and lose to "stronger opposition" whilst our league is the strongest in the world partly due to the faster, harder tempo to our game!!

Maybe if England played an EPL-style with Gerrard in his roving position we could win some games convincingly whilst also getting the drive Gerrard can offer, as its a high tempo game he excels in.

It seems fairly simple to me haha. Not rocket science!

Posted by scott from Brisbane on 03/26/2009

I am only a 20 year old whipper-snapper and i have grown up in a part of Australia that is Crazy about Rugby Union. untill one fine morning In 2005 i was 17 years of age, before the sun had dawned i had joined my mates in watching some champions league football. my friends, all of whome were from european heritage had often tried to get me to enjoy & support Football (i had always rapidly dismissed these attepmts) Cue Stevie G, it was an awe inspiring moment and i struggle to recall the exact game. But the ball fell for him 30yrds out and his grace, skill and power to volley the ball into the goal was beautifull. i had never whitnesses that aspect of football, I was in love with the Beautifull game. Steven Gerrard to me is a perfect footballer. composed, skillfull, reliable, uncomprimising & respectfull. a Born leader with more than enough heart for the whole team. a player more than worthy of captaining
Eng & on recent form the Player of year award could go to no-one but him.

Posted by Keith on 03/26/2009

What a shocking article. Who could have expected such a one-sided condemnation of one of the most esteemed footballers of his generation? How could you so cynically minimize all his many positives for England whilst blowing the few negatives out of all proportion?
With Erikksen's and McLaren's only strategies being to "play the eleven best players" as opposed to "playing the best XI", Gerrard has often been shackled into playing in unfamiliar roles, often unable to perform to his strengths yet he has consistently been our best player regardless. Capello should make Gerrard captain immediately and he should be given a freer role behind the front striker. With this role he can finally use his full powers while the armband will give him the license to better dictate the game and to lead the team the way he leads at Anfield.
With Capello, there has been a renewed sense of optimism in the England camp but, to succeed on the pitch, he must remove the shackles from the team's best asset.

Posted by Leigh on 03/26/2009

It is clear that to get the best out of Gerrard he needs to play with freedom to roam behind a striker. Since Liverpool are so successful in international cup competitions, a formation and lineup similar to the one below could be the best bet for England....

Kirkland
Johnson - Terry - Ferdinand - Cole
Hargreaves - Carrick
Walcott - GERRARD - Cole
Rooney

Obviously some egos (mainly Lampards) would be damaged in the process but the team shouldn't be about keeping friends, only winning.

Posted by messy on 03/26/2009

Messi is the best player in the world. Period.

Posted by julius manjengwa on 03/26/2009

Gerrard a very good player and if people are to give opinions they will vary from the zidane's best player in the world to some just saying a good player . However at times perfomances are more about where you are playing and who is around you . to me i think rafa's formation gives Gerrard a lot of freedom . he can afford not to do defensive duties since mascherano is always there which means all he has to do is look for ball and go fowards to torres ( with whom there is a great telepathic understanding ). as a result he is among the top goal scorers in the league. when it comes to the national team there are a lot changes to start with then the issue of two strikers always (hesky rooney ,or crouch rooney, etc ) which means he has operate much deeper and also have a lot defensive duties to care of . so what i can say is gerrard is descent or say good ro the national team but overlly excellent for Liverpool ( if not to say he is the backbone of the team)

Posted by ZUMBE on 03/26/2009

Gerrard is tha best Liverpool Player and is tha best player England has at tha moment period.I certainly agree with tha comments that have been posted so far. Why would we spend all this tym on this talk show if Sir Steven Gerrard wasn't tha best player in tha world so far. No disrepect for Vidic he is not in tha same category like Messi and Gerrard. C.Ronaldo is nowhere near to his best form still he is a terrific player even Liverpool fans would have to second that. England doesnt have a striker to the calibre of Torres to help tha prolific Gerrard. I would bet, Rooney as good as he is give him 10 chances at goal in or around tha box Gerrald would outclass him with most goals put in tha back of tha net!!!! Gerrald can defend can attack can score can pass that defence splittin pass, he is simply complete, he has pace more than what we people realise he outran Evra tha other day, he is Mr. England just give him that number 10 role Mr. Fabio !!!!

Posted by Vijayan Kannan on 03/26/2009

Fabio Capello doesn't build his team around one player. He has only ever been a club manager and his policy seems similar to that of Mourinho's- build a team with ethics and which follows instructions. So far he has got a decent return for his efforts but when it comes to the actual World Cup or the European Championships, will he fare better than Eriksson? Nobody knows, we can only wait and see. This writer is biased against Gerrard - an MU fan perhaps? I am a die hard Liverpool fan and I absolutely love the way Gerrard impacts Liverpool's perfomances. He is our captain and the whole team's shape changes when he doesn't play, with mixed results. But the same doesn't apply to the national team and if Capello sticks to his guns, we are pretty much in for the same underachieving England. They'll play better but the results? Just like managing clubs is not the same as managing a national team due to various factors, playing at club and national level differs due to the same.

Posted by Moh-man on 03/26/2009

Just one question everybody

Who will you believe; A great footballer in Zinedine Zidane or John "WHO" Berwin??????????

Who is John Berwin?........someone who is not patriotic it seems. Writing crap like this before an international. TO me John Berwin is just about money.

What about Zidane?........have you seen him write a blog or column about France before important Internationals......definitely not!!!!!!

Support your team and the players in thick or thin. Encourgae them to glory instead being a pessimistic moron.

Posted by Paul on 03/26/2009

Gerrard is a responsible player than is aware of what the team is doing. When everyone piles forward, he covers the gaps they leave. If you want him to play as he does for Liverpool, England have to play with a covering midfielder, or two, and Gerrard must be allowed to play further up field. It's pretty simple really. Drop Lampard to the bench, he's useless in a defensive role, and start building around Gerrard if you want to win. England won't do that, too many posers. Don't blame Gerrard for that. Most reds would rather he not bother with the national side.

Posted by Fred on 03/26/2009

There is a simple reason that Gerrard looks like a different player when playing for England than with Liverpool. At Liverpool, he has Alonso and/or Mascherano to do the disciplined/donkey work while Gerrard is free to roam the pitch at will. England has rarely played with a dedicated defensive-minded player like Mascherano and the quality of the players given that role has certainly been lower than Mascherano. He also suffers from a lack of quality or creativity in other positions ranging from keeper to full back when one compares Liverpool to England. England also has no one like Torres, who Gerrard has linked so well with for Liverpool. Rooney plays a very different style and in my opinion is simply not as good anyway. I won't even mention guys like Heskey or Crouch.

Posted by richard on 03/26/2009

I love stevie g and i thought he should've won player of the year last year. There are 2 players in the world right now that their teams don't look the same without them are Stevie G and Lionel Messi they're the 2 best players in the world. I agree with putting Gerrard up front with Rooney and have Lampard play as the attacking midfielder. To all the ppl that hate Lampard u need to realise that he is one the best scoring midfielders out there. For England to achieve greatness you need the both of them to be at their best and all England fans need to stop booing these 2 players. England's three best players are Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard, they're the key to the national team and Joe cole when he returns.

Posted by richard on 03/26/2009

England also needs a good defensive midfielder which we don't have. Did anyone ever think that the reason Lampard and Gerrard can't really play at the level they do for their clubs is that they have to track back to do a lot of defending. Carrick is a joke!!!

Posted by richard on 03/26/2009

Posted by jamie dwyer on 03/26/2009

Gerrard seems to lack the drive he seemingly possesses when he dons the red of Liverpool but not the white of England. It is a pity that a player of his quality does not shine for his country. A terrible waste for England's midfield that on its day can match the best sides in the world. The addition of Gerrard only serves to complement and not improve.

Posted by Odenhem on 03/26/2009

England side for South Africa 2010

Walcott

Rooney-Gerrard-Young

Carrick-Hargreaves

Cole-Ferdinand-Terry-Johnson

Foster

Subs: J.Cole, G.Barry, SWP, L.King, S.Carson, Lampard

Posted by Will on 03/27/2009

The biggest detriment to Gerrard's international career is that he's English. He's shackled to a team of "superstars" who never play their best when they, unlike him, are consistently played in their preferred positions. Coupled with other English players' sizable egos (which no one really understands, considering their international mediocrity) and underperformance, the need for a player who can drag a team back from the brink of a loss, as he's done so many times for Liverpool, is obvious. If Capello can resist repeating the mistakes of his predecessors in catering to the egos and playing all of the superstars, instead of choosing a team that really gels, maybe England can start having some international success, as in significant progress in the World Cup, or at least qualifying for the Euro Cup this time around. Gerrard's the key. Put him in the side. Give hime CAM. When the rest of the team comes up with nothing against quality opponents, he knows what to do.

Posted by LFCYNWA1010 on 03/27/2009

Gerrard does exactly what hes told to do by the manager for england appearances...You can not blame gerrards 'lack of play' by his poor positional play in places like the left wing...back off...just because he doesnt have as a prolific england career bombing forwards and making extravagent goals doesnt mean he has played well...go to a game and watch him...the television only shows the ball my friend...

Posted by TMH on 03/27/2009

Dear John,

Congratulations. I say this with the assumption that your one and only intention in writing the article above is to create a stir.

Well done indeed.

Posted by YH on 03/27/2009

Are you serious? I cant believe you have written this article in your correct senses. Or maybe admit to your own faults instead of falsely creating a GREAT man's fault. You are biased and need to learn some lessons in life. Try reading Dale Carnegie's "How to win friends and influence people" - Rule 1: Don't criticize, condemn or complain. Rule 2: Always give compliments, especially when deserved. And in the form of his life - coming with this article just shows how petty-minded you are!
How can a man like you, instead of focusing on how Gerrard can help England achieve great things, dare to even point your fingers at a guy who is commended, respected and loved around the world (Not only by Liverpool supporters).
For his passion, for his drive, for his skill, for his ambitions, for his leadership, for his versatility, for his talent, for his displays, for what he stands for - I think you need to come up with an apology! If not my friend, you're a loser while GERRARD is a BORN-WINNER!

Posted by David Mason on 03/27/2009

Where do all these people get their ideas from?! Gerard is a run of the mill, hard working average Joe. He plays okay for Liverpool but has never done anything for England. He can't pass (Doesn't often even try, he likes running with the ball) when the new game requires you to pass ( See Milan, Brazil even United learned the hard way from Milan) running ninety miles an hour is nothing in this century. Drop him and forget about it. He's just so over-rated.

Posted by Mathew Forte on 03/28/2009

How on earth can u say he is the best when u dont watch the spanish la liga or realise in the champions league that messi has bagged like 6 or something in like 4-5 games.. not to mention barca have been 4-0 up at half time 4 times this season... hes a magician.. he plays unbelievable at international level, for barca both home and abroad and finished 2nd in world player of the year after missing a quarter of the season. Gerrard plays all year long and doesnt come close because in the end.... he plays well some games unbelievable... but so does rooney... n then he plays shit.. so does micah richards... so does gareth barry.. he doesnt bag doubles against the bad teams and singles against the good teams... he just plays alrite because he has a great defensive mid behind him and a good defence, but still is not good enough to beat stoke

Posted by pendleton on 03/28/2009

gerrard is simply the best of the best.u need 1 ronaldo , 1 kaka and half messi to make one gerrard.he is the best everywhere in the pitch.

Posted by abbdulrahman on 03/29/2009

that is wat i call a lousy journalist now how as gerrad succeded in liverpool this is it

gerrad is the captain of liverpool if capello wants him to play well then put him as an attacking midfielder just like the way it is in liverpool
i believe stievie is the world best player ronaldo,messi which of them play the role that stevie plays he is a team man not like ronaldo or messi who believe the are the best on the pitch

Posted by tariq alli on 03/29/2009

This author and all these pro epl writers have to be nuts or either only watch one league to come to the all of sudden fascination of stevie g being the worlds best player. Where has he been all season? Steups.. what almost scored a hat trick with two penalties. This is messi's year. Nobody else deserves it.

Posted by ben barclay on 03/30/2009

The new chap aside, England's international coaches have shown the heart and skills of box of wet lettuce. They just assemble names, they don't build a team. Stephen Gerrard is England's best player, and the attack should be built around him. He runs the ball, passes well, shoots well, but best of all, he can inspire people: he has the heart of a lion. If they leave Rooney in front of him, and Aaron Lennon opposite for a different look, he will be able to show what he can do. England needs to play with balls and play an attacking game, SG would thrive in that environment.

Posted by ogar on 03/30/2009

sorry, fans and we saw the match and once again lampad impressed and gerald was watching.
when will we stop all this talk. i tell u the only raeson keeping gerald in the english team is his versitility else he would have been left to go. hes played every where in liverpool and have delivered beyond doubt but can not seem to deliver at all in english team. i dont know why one will think that the boy should not stand out as a defensive midfilder well for your information cannavaro won the ballon d or as a defender. dont get me wrong he a fantastic player but yuo cannot play two defensive midfielders in the national team if gerald gets a bad day the supply line will be dry and england could loose by a wide margin. imagin teams comming to play england and knowing we just have to stop gerald and the attack will be blunt. the managers know their jobs hence he is given a covering role with the intent that he can contribute going forward. which he has so far failed to do.thing.

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