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Tuesday 8 October 2013

Steven Gerrard exclusive: Saying England players don't care these days is just nonsense

Steven Gerrard exclusive: Saying England players don't care these days is just nonsense

Skipper bristles as he speaks to the Mirror ahead of Wembley double header that will decide World Cup qualification
Jumping for joy: Gerrard looks as happy as England's fans after scoring against Moldova
Jumping for joy: Gerrard looks as happy as England's fans after scoring against Moldova
Michael Regan - The FA
It takes a lot to make Steven Gerrard angry. Properly angry.
But one thing does: When fans dismiss an England performance with the casual accusation 'These players don’t care.'
Raise the subject, and the fire burns even brighter in Gerrard’s eyes.
And on the eve of what he admits is perhaps the biggest week English football has faced in two decades, it is time for the Three Lions' skipper to nail the myth.
“It’s nonsense to say that. Nonsense,’’ said Gerrard, his depth of pride and desire palpable.
“The pain and the agony. How long that lasted after we didn’t qualify for Euro 2008. I wish you could bottle that and show it to people who say those things and doubt how much we care.
“We care. Trust me, we care. No one cares more than the players.
"We understand the fans and media are passionate, but that’s certainly the case in the dressing room.
“It’s a shame the supporters and certain people can’t go into the dressing room and see how we prepare and how much we want this.
"The word I use when people bring it up is just ‘nonsense.’”
He could have used a stronger word. But he did not need to.
As he pointed out, players - especially Premier League stars - could easily opt out.
They know what they face if things go wrong. But they turn up, month after month.
England matters.
Gerrard, speaking on behalf of England partner William Hill, added: “If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t be here. I’d be out of this set-up.
“Nobody is forced to play for England. You play because you want to, because you’re desperate to, because it’s what you dreamed of from an early age.
“When you win for England, play well, get on the score-sheet or achieve something together, there’s no better buzz.
“It matters when you play for your club. But when it’s England, you’re playing for your country. Everybody is desperate to be part of a successful England team.’’
Even at 33, with a wealth of club honours behind him, 105 caps – and counting – and closing in on joining the top five of all-time England captaincy appearances, Gerrard embodies national zeal.
Nice one, centurion! Hodgson helps Gerrard celebrate his 100th cap
Michael Regan
 He tries not to complain at the scrutiny either.
“I don’t think we get too much criticism,’’ he said. “We’re England. We take the pats on the back when we play well and beat the likes of Brazil. But when we don’t perform well we have to accept the criticism, take it on the chin.
“That’s part and parcel of being an England player.’’
Gerrard has grown into the role of Roy Hodgson’s chief on-field lieutenant. He likes the manager, respects him – and feels the boss has copped some of the flak his players should have had.
Looking back at the draws in Warsaw and in Podgorica and last month in Kiev during this campaign, Gerrard conceded: “That’s where the players have to take the responsibility.
"There have been times when the manager’s had a gameplan, asked us to do certain things in both halves and we’ve only managed to really play well in 45 minutes out of the 90.
“It makes it unfair for the manager to take all the stick, when it should be the players. But I firmly believe those three results will turn out to be good results by the middle of next week.
“There’s pressure on me now but that’s what I wanted when I was given the captaincy.
“I don’t fear it, I’m not worried about it. I’m excited. This is an opportunity for me to lead the team to Brazil, to get that buzz.
Steven Gerrard
Kick in the Balkans: Gerrard reacts to dropped points in Montenegro
Action Images
 “For that to happen, we need to perform close to what we know we’re capable of. That means high-tempo, attacking, shackles off, the crowd behind us, starting well and taking the game to the opposition.
“That’s the key for me. We need to play to our strengths. If we do, I’m confident we’ll make it. I’ve respect for the teams we have to play. But I’ve even more respect for the players we have here.
“We will do this job.’’
A promise, by a player who really, truly cares.
Do not doubt him.

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/steven-gerrard-exclusive-saying-england-2348356#ixzz2h73UPgAx

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