Steven Gerrard is ready to become England’s Mr. Versatile – as Fabio Capello confirmed Jamie Carragher’s incredible international return.
Both Gerrard and Carragher, along with Liverpool team-mate Glen Johnson, have been included in England’s 23-man squad that will fly to South Africa ahead of the forthcoming World Cup finals.
Carragher was persuaded to end a self-imposed three-year international exile by Capello after a raft of injuries to England’s defence, a decision that has now been justified by his inclusion.
As vice-captain, Gerrard was a certainty for the squad but not so definite is his role in the team during the finals.
Gerrard has been employed on the left wing and as a second striker by Capello, and spent much of his playing time in the recent friendly victories against Japan and Mexico in central midfield.
And while happier in the latter position, the Liverpool skipper believes his game is benefiting from his varying roles.
“Everyone knows I always enjoy it when I play in the middle,” said Gerrard. “But I’ve always said that if I make it to the final squad, then I’m aware the manager is going to want me to play in different roles and I’m happy and ready for that.
“Maybe earlier on in my career I’d have sulked a bit if I was asked to play in a few different positions. But I think now I have the maturity and experience to know what is best for the team, and I actually quite like playing in different positions.
“It helps me develop as a player and you learn more about yourself and opponents when you can see the game from different perspectives. But as I say, I cannot complain if I am on the field playing for my country.”
All told, there will be 12 Liverpool players representing their countries at the forthcoming World Cup, the most in the club’s history.
Both Gerrard and Carragher, along with Liverpool team-mate Glen Johnson, have been included in England’s 23-man squad that will fly to South Africa ahead of the forthcoming World Cup finals.
Carragher was persuaded to end a self-imposed three-year international exile by Capello after a raft of injuries to England’s defence, a decision that has now been justified by his inclusion.
As vice-captain, Gerrard was a certainty for the squad but not so definite is his role in the team during the finals.
Gerrard has been employed on the left wing and as a second striker by Capello, and spent much of his playing time in the recent friendly victories against Japan and Mexico in central midfield.
And while happier in the latter position, the Liverpool skipper believes his game is benefiting from his varying roles.
“Everyone knows I always enjoy it when I play in the middle,” said Gerrard. “But I’ve always said that if I make it to the final squad, then I’m aware the manager is going to want me to play in different roles and I’m happy and ready for that.
“Maybe earlier on in my career I’d have sulked a bit if I was asked to play in a few different positions. But I think now I have the maturity and experience to know what is best for the team, and I actually quite like playing in different positions.
“It helps me develop as a player and you learn more about yourself and opponents when you can see the game from different perspectives. But as I say, I cannot complain if I am on the field playing for my country.”
All told, there will be 12 Liverpool players representing their countries at the forthcoming World Cup, the most in the club’s history.
No comments:
Post a Comment