Gerrard calls for England 'continuity'

Updated 09.45 Thu Nov 15 2007
Keywords: Gary Neville, David Beckham, 2010 World Cup, Champions League, Euro 2008, Premier League, England, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool, football, sport

Steven Gerrard is calling for continuity even if England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.

While the likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville are more senior players in Steve McClaren's set-up, Gerrard sees no reason why the majority of the squad should not be kept together for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

"Obviously there will be certain changes because there are players in the squad who are quite old and this might be their last tournament. But I think the nucleus of the squad is important to keep together because they are top players" - Steven Gerrard

The talismanic Liverpool midfield star, who will lead his country in their must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday, said: "I think we have a good squad and it has got young players in it.

"There are still young players coming through and we forget that Wayne Rooney, for instance, is still young.

"Obviously there will be certain changes because there are players in the squad who are quite old and this might be their last tournament. But I think the nucleus of the squad is important to keep together because they are top players."

And Gerrard has thrown his backing behind under-fire boss McClaren, whose position has come under the spotlight following last month's 2-1 defeat in Russia which has taken England's hopes of playing in Austria and Switzerland next summer out of their hands.

The stand-in England skipper added: "Obviously it's not in the players' hands what happens to the manager. But if I'm asked if I'm backing him, I'll certainly be putting my name forward.

"Steve McClaren has believed in me since day one and so the least I can do is support the manager."

Gerrard has urged the England fans to control their anger if England are virtually certain to be eliminated from the tournament when they face Croatia at Wembley next Wednesday.

He said: "The fans are entitled to their opinion. If we don't get to the finals, we are in for a difficult night on Wednesday, which is understandable. As a player you have to be a man and take it on the chin.

"It was difficult against Andorra in Barcelona when the fans were angry and it's not going to help the team if we get jeered.

"I would plead for the fans to stay with us. We do need them. You do need supporters through difficult times as well as good ones.

"I'm an England fan as well and I will understand them being frustrated if we don't qualify. They want to be there. They are the best supporters and they want to be in Austria and Switzerland."

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