Steven Gerrard

I hate scousers. but for me, Gerrard is more important to Englands chances this summer than any other player, Rooney included. Sven needs to build his midfield around him.

 

Went to watch them last night play Fulham. Gerrard looked absolutely knackered for about 30 mins... Too much footy at the mo for some of our better players will cripple us in the world cup!

 

He needs a rest

but his ability to lead the team from the front, up the tempo and influence a game is second to none. As long as he's not passing the ball to the keeper via Henry, he is generally a class above anything else on the pitch. Lampard makes good runs into the box and has a great engine, but for me, Gerrard is much more influential and will enter the World Cup with a huge amount of confidence after almost single handedly winning the Champions League final.

 

Fresh Legs

So in that case, we should see the best of Owen, Ashley Cole and Campbell seeing as they'll not have played as many games.

 

Cant see Campbell going to Germany

Rio, Terry, Carragher, King, cant see Sven taking someone who's allegedly close to nervous breakdown.

 

RE: He needs a rest

I agree with the ability to lead, i was lucky enough to go to the final. Don`t even get me started about the bloody offside rule with Henry!!!!! ggrrr.

But it will come to a stage were enthusiasm, skill and adrenalin will only take you so far. Liverpool need Sissoko and Alonso back to give him a breather.

 

Too much football?!

2 games a week - would think professionals could bloody cope with that!

 

No

The compliant will then be that they've not played enought competitive matches and aren't "match fit"

 

RE: Too much football?!

Have you tried it Eaststander???

Gerrard has played over 50 games already this season.

 

I have

Stop being such a sycophant !!! If they can't cope with the so called "pressure" , they can always stop playing football and try working for a living on a real wage . I wonder which option they'd choose ???

 

RE: Too much football?!

I'm not a professional footballer though am I!

They should be able to play 2 games a week if the training is tailored accordingly.
Don't hear cricketeers complaining about playing 5 days in a row. Theres plenty other sports where they play more often as well.

 

RE: Pressure/Life

"Don`t talk to me about life"ff

 

RE: Too much football?!

You're right to an extent EastStander, but when the rest of europe are playing less games, they can maintain a higher level of fitness by comparison. I think that's the point that is being constantly made by players and manager in this country.

 

"Try telling kids these days"

"And they just don't believe you !!!"

 

Frank Lampard...

...is far more of an influence in the england midfield and he and the scouser cannot play in the same team.

for gerrard see John Barnes - great for his club but ineffective for his country

 

i see what you are saying. but i think without gerrard say he was injured we could cope. Without Rooney i would say we are spunked, Rooney seems to turn it on for the big games and will be crucial. And with Rooney on the field perhaps the oppostion will see him as the main threat and give others more room such as lampard and cole. 

 

No he isnt

Lampard doesnt have the same ability to turn a game on its head. he can deliver a good set piece, and arrive in the box at the right time, but he hasnt got the overall influence, the presence nor the minerals that Gerrard has. against Barcelona, for example.

 

everytime i have been to see england play

lampard has looked total class in the centre of the park. Dont get me wrong Gerrard is class too. but lamps has look awesome. If that ***** Beckham would just stay out on the right instead of coming into the middle and getting in the way. Or if sven had the courage to tell him to stay out wide.

 

Are you Joking

Lampard is the new David Platt.</p>

Gerrard is our most important midfielder by a country mile.</p>

 

Have to admit

Lampard kept going in Euros when others ran out of steam. won me over, for sure. he's got a great engine, dont get me wrong, I think he's an automatic choice in the side, but I think in the games where we need that extra special something, where the opposition have caught us out or are defending deep, its the cultural architects (Svens terminology) that are able to find that missing ingredient. Liverpool had no right to the Champions League. he's done it at the highest level, against the most difficult of oppenents. Lampard hasnt yet.