Steven Gerrard Was Meant To Lead England, Says Liverpool FC Legend Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson had a World Cup dream thwarted but could not be happier Steven Gerrard will be realising his.

As the Liverpool talisman leads England out in Rustenburg for their opening match of the tournament against the USA, the memories of two conflicting events in Thompson’s international career will come flooding back.

A proud servant on 42 occasions for his country, Anfield legend Thompson recalls the night he was handed the captain’s armband for the first time, taking the national side into battle against Bulgaria.

But as he revelled in Gerrard’s “long overdue” ascent to England leader, Kop favourite Tommo recounts one of his darkest days when sporting the three lions on his chest.

Debuting as captain in a European Championship qualifier on November, 22 1979 with skipper Kevin Keegan absent, Kirkby man Thompson would go on to lead England a further five times, though not in the one game he felt sure he would be skipper in once more.

As Ron Greenwood prepared his troops for Spain’82 and the Group Four challenge of France in Bilbao, captain Keegan was again ruled out, and Thompson awaited the manager’s call.

However instead of being told he would lead his country out in the World Cup, Thompson was dealt the biggest blow of his international career with Mick Mills given the nod.

As Thompson was denied the crowning moment he so sorely craved, he is in the perfect position to send his congratulations to Gerrard and has backed the Reds man to deliver.

“I’m probably being biased but I thought Steven was ready for the captaincy a few years ago,” said Thompson.

“His maturity has significantly changed over the last few years as well as his whole outlook to the game.

“Steven has shown greater responsibility over this period and has been ready to take the role on for a number of years now.

“It was always going to be a close race between him (Gerrard), Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. Capello made his decision but I always felt Stevie was ahead of the other two. But with the way it has panned out and with Steven leading his country out in the World Cup, maybe it was meant to be.”