Brazil or bust: This could be the last chance for England's old guard admits Steven Gerrard

25 Mar 2013 23:00

Skipper includes himself, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and even Wayne Rooney as Three Lions stars who must deliver against Montenegro

Drinking in the last-chance saloon? Gerrard feels he's running out of time

Mike Hewitt

Steven Gerrard has revealed how England’s Old Guard realise their Three Lions legacy is now on the line.
Gerrard leads Roy Hodgson’s team into the bear-pit of the Podgorica City Stadium determined to ensure England take a huge step along the Road to Rio.
But the Liverpool midfielder, never beyond the last eight of a major tournament in his 13-year international career, accepts that unless he and his team-mates break that cycle of failure in Brazil they will always be dubbed under-achievers.
On Tuesday night, against surprise Group H leaders Montenegro, Hodgson is looking to Gerrard to help inspire and deliver the winning performance that will make England masters of their qualifying destiny.
And for the skipper, it is only right and proper that the buck does stop with the men who have carried the burden of England expectations for a decade or more, with himself, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.
Gerrard said: “It is a last chance for a few of us and that does sharpen our desire, especially with the way things are going under Roy.
“Of course it’s important we don’t get ahead of ourselves and start thinking about Brazil now - we’ve got to get their first and there are some big obstacles to get over first, starting with Montenegro.
“But for the likes of me, Ashley, Frank, Rio (Ferdinand), even Wayne who’s getting on about now, we all sense that time is moving on and we still want to achieve something with England.
“We’ve got a fantastic team spirit and the atmosphere is really good at the moment. We’re taking big strides forward as a team.
“I feel we’ve learned a lot from the Italy game in the Euros. We believe there’s still a lot of work to do, but we will get there.”

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 As Gerrard conceded, England left their Euro 2012 base in Krakow the day after their shoot-out quarter-final defeat by Italy frustrated, chastened, but also aware that they needed to make significant tactical and technical advances.
Hodgson’s switch from a military 4-4-2 to a more intricate system - Tom Cleverley will be asked to rotate the ball and support Rooney and the wide men - has seen a development but, as Gerrard agreed, tonight will be the acid test.
Despite being unbeaten so far, the draws with Ukraine and Poland have left England trailing their hosts by two points at the half-way stage of the group, adding to the need to secure a victory.
Gerrard, part of the “Golden Generation” who have been inhibited by the expectations that label - from former FA chief executive Adam Crozier - has brought, added: “After the Euros I think we spoke about keeping the ball, that we weren’t good enough in possession against Italy.
“We didn’t keep the ball for long enough periods in that game, so that’s why they attacked our goal so often.
“At this level, you’ve got to be better in possession, keep them away from your goal, and I think our possession statistics have improved a lot since that game.
“But, to be honest, we won’t be where we want to be with this manager in charge until we get to a major tournament and beat a top side, in the last eight.
“What I would say is that the camp is calm and settled and that’s down to the manager and the staff creating the atmosphere to work in.
“He’s showing the players a lot of respect and trust, giving us down-time to relax and treating us like adults. We’re not hiding anything. There are no cliques or secret fall-outs. We’re just enjoying the atmosphere.”
An atmosphere which will be all the healthier if England do what Hodgson and Gerrard expect them to on the night.
The skipper knows that Montenegro, a team he says is “littered with good players”, name-checking Stevan Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic, will also try to get under England’s skin.
Rooney’s red card 18 months ago has been part of the build-up and the skipper warned: “It’s vital you keep your cool otherwise you’ll end up getting sent off the pitch.
“Last time we were here I watched it on television so we’re all well aware of what’s in store. We know there’s going to be a hostile atmosphere.

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Getty

 “When it comes to Wayne, I think it’ll have the opposite effect on him. He’ll remember what happened to him two years ago and he’ll want to make amends. I think he’ll perform well.
“These big games are what you want to play in, the ones you look forward to.
“But we’re playing well and are confident. If we perform to the level we know we can, close to our maximum, we’ll be more than capable of getting three points."

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