Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard - Midfielder - England World Cup Team 2006
squad no. 4

club: Liverpool
position: Midfield
age: 25
caps: 42
goals: 7

Steven Gerrard could hold the key to England's chances. Great players prove themselves on the biggest stages. Stevie G has certainly been great for Liverpool over the past few years and we need him to be great for England now.

In the likely absence of Wayne Rooney his match winning ability will be even more vital.

If given his head he can destroy anyone. If not given his head he should just rebel and do what the hell he damn well pleases. It will be better than what Sven has told him to do anyway.

Football England Verdict
Rating: 6.80

We got glimpses of Gerrard's true ability but there was little chance of him truly bursting out of his shell under Sven.
Top scored with two goals and looked ready to take on the world but with all the changing of systems and personnel it was even beyond this guy to inspire us single handed.

Portugal 0-0.
Football England rating: 7
Didn't dominate the game the way he can but was probably the best midfielder on the pitch. He took a piss poor penalty though.

Ecuador 1-0.
Football England rating: 6
Disappointing by his incredibly high standards but he's doing fine in this competition and we expect a huge performance from him next weekend.

Sweden 2-2.
Football England rating: 8
Came on for twenty minutes and almost earned himself the star player award. Cleared one off the line and scored with a powerful header. There is more to come from this guy who looks in the mood to mix it with the big boys.
A couple of his midfield colleagues need to catch the mood.

Trinidad 2-0.
Football England rating: 6
Not one of Stevie's better performances but showed his quality at the end with a special left footed drive from outside the box for the second goal.
Also put Dwight Yorke's post match plans in doubt with a corking volley in the first half.
He continues to play second fiddle to Lampard in the England midfield and I'm not sure why. He's twice the player.

Paraguay 1-0.
Football England rating 7
Gerrard started really well but disappeared like everyone else after the break.
Linked play up expertly for the first half hour and got forward judiciously from his deeper midfield position.
Made many exellent blocks that are vital with this stupid ball but picked up a yellow card for catching an opponent with one attempt.
Hard to see him not picking up another one somewhere along the way.

Thurs, June 8; Don't do this to us Steven. Gerrard declares he is only 50/50 for the opening game with Paraguay. Not the kind of thing we want to hear.

Tues, June 6; Gerrard has an entire nation in a cold sweat after retiring early from an England training session with a sore back. We are assured by the camp that this was only as "a precaution."
Some fatigue of the Gerrard spine is to be expected after carrying Liverpool for the past three seasons.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Gerrard's Performances and News.