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Stand-In Captain Steven Gerrard: England Are United Despite Off-Field Issues
Midfielder reveals Capello has told squad to sharpen up their act.
Mar 2, 2010 9:03:00 AM
By Zack Wilson
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will captain England at Wembley on Wednesday against Egypt, and he is looking forward to leading out a team which is still united and together despite some recent high-profile issues.
Gerrard will skipper the side because Chelsea defender John Terry has been stripped of the armband following the tabloid revelations concerning his private life.
"Of course, being England captain is always a big responsibility," he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I'm really delighted that I'm going to leading the boys out on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to the game."
Gerrard also confirmed that team spirit was as high as it had been during the succcessful World Cup qualifying campaign, with manager Fabio Capello issuing a few reminders about what is expected of England players.
"Yes, of course, but nothing's changed. The team spirit and the togetherness have been fantastic over the last couple of days," the Liverpool star added.
"The manager did reiterate our responsibilities both on and off the pitch yesterday but he's done that from day one, so nothing's changed there.
"Training went very well this morning and the lads are in good spirits. We're looking forward to this game on Wednesday.
"Hopefully we can perform well and everyone's getting excited because the World Cup is very close now.
"I think that all the boys are really focused on the World Cup already. Players are fighting for places and squad positions and the standard of training this morning was superb.
"Everyone was fired up and it was very high intensity and it was a very good session.
"I think with playing for England there're always going to be big expectations and the spotlight's always gonog to be on you.
"But I think Wednesday night gives us a perfect opportunity to show everyone who's watching that we are together and we are still a good team.
"Our form's been very good of late and the boys are excited for Wednesday."
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Gerrard will skipper the side because Chelsea defender John Terry has been stripped of the armband following the tabloid revelations concerning his private life.
"Of course, being England captain is always a big responsibility," he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I'm really delighted that I'm going to leading the boys out on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to the game."
Gerrard also confirmed that team spirit was as high as it had been during the succcessful World Cup qualifying campaign, with manager Fabio Capello issuing a few reminders about what is expected of England players.
"Yes, of course, but nothing's changed. The team spirit and the togetherness have been fantastic over the last couple of days," the Liverpool star added.
"The manager did reiterate our responsibilities both on and off the pitch yesterday but he's done that from day one, so nothing's changed there.
"Training went very well this morning and the lads are in good spirits. We're looking forward to this game on Wednesday.
"Hopefully we can perform well and everyone's getting excited because the World Cup is very close now.
"I think that all the boys are really focused on the World Cup already. Players are fighting for places and squad positions and the standard of training this morning was superb.
"Everyone was fired up and it was very high intensity and it was a very good session.
"I think with playing for England there're always going to be big expectations and the spotlight's always gonog to be on you.
"But I think Wednesday night gives us a perfect opportunity to show everyone who's watching that we are together and we are still a good team.
"Our form's been very good of late and the boys are excited for Wednesday."
Become a fan of Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything the related to the beautiful game
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