Gerrard: Stand-in captain
Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard will captain England against Estonia in John Terry’s absence.
With usual captain Terry out of Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier, head coach Steve McClaren has asked Gerrard to take the armband.
Gerrard is hopeful Terry will be fit enough to return against Russia on Wednesday, but is happy to be captain in his absence.
“I think JT’s got a bit of a knee problem. Hopefully he’ll be able to play on Wednesday,” he said live on Sky Sports News.
“The manager has told me I’m skipper. To be captain at the new Wembley will be a special day for myself.”
Selection headache
With Frank Lampard fit and available following injury, the question has been asked who Gerrard would rather play alongside.
Aston Villa ace Gareth Barry was superb for England against Israel and Russia, but is not guaranteed to retain his place against Estonia.
However, Gerrard does not mind who McClaren opts to select to play alongside him in midfield.
“They are all great midfielders, whether it’s Gareth or Frank,” he continued. “That’s a difficult decision for the manager.
“I feel comfortable playing alongside both of them.”
Professional
England can book their place in Austria and Switzerland next summer with back-to-back wins, although Gerrard is not taking Estonia lightly.
“It’s difficult. It’s around the corner and it’s a massive game. We have one eye on the Russia game,” he continued.
“We can only enjoy a big, big night in Russia if we’re professional (against Estonia).”
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Source: www.skysports.com
