Liverpool FC Forum

[Anfield rapper]

Steven Gerrard, despite his fractured toe, has been diagnosed as indispensable for the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia at Wembley. That opinion hardened with the news that England's other main attacking midfielder, Frank Lampard, had suffered a thigh strain yesterday while training with Chelsea. He then had a scan amid fears that he will be ruled out for three or four weeks.
The Stamford Bridge club must be dismayed in view of their dependence on Lampard's goals. His absence from games such as tomorrow's trip to Villa Park will worry Jose Mourinho more than his possible unavailability for the opener to the Champions League programme, at home to Rosenborg on September 18.


So far as England are concerned there may be a surge in appreciation for Lampard. Much has been made of an often disappointing partnership with Gerrard but the manager, Steve McClaren, would not see a convenient solution in the absence of one, let alone both.
Gerrard was excused the friendly with Germany but no further leave of absence is contemplated. McClaren knows that Gerrard himself is determined to take part in these crucial matches. "He played a couple of weeks ago against Chelsea," the manager said, "and we are taking doctors' advice and Liverpool's advice but ultimately Steven Gerrard is very, very keen. He knows how important the two games are . . . and we need him to play.

"When you talk about the current issue about club and country, the players have to have a passion to play for their country and no one epitomises that more than Steven: always turns up, always wants to turn up. We need that type of character. We will liaise with Rafa Benítez but the decisions will be made by the player, by ourselves and the medical teams. There is a certain flexibility when it comes to friendlies but now we are into the qualifiers."

The Anfield manager, having talked to his captain and the club doctor, confirmed that Gerrard will not face Derby today because that would require a painkilling injection. "Stevie cannot train normally," said Benítez. "After the Chelsea game it was days before he was ready to train again.

"If he goes with [England] then the national team doctor would have to be in contact with our club doctor every day. We need him for the whole season and our idea is not to take any risks. I would expect the same from England. I would not expect him to have an injection and then play for England."

Benítez laid himself open to accusations of double standards since the assumption is that the midfielder must have needed just such a jab before the Chelsea match. The Liverpool manager proposes that Gerrard sit out the Israel game and take on Russia four days later.

Benítez conceded that the issue must be settled by the England medical staff. Prior to hearing of Lampard's problem, McClaren had even decided that Gerrard would be in the centre of midfield instead of being shunted to the right wing. Literally and figuratively, the Liverpool player is at the core of England's scheme.

The Gaurdian Unlimited




After the way Liverpool players have been treated latley by McClaren I really hope Gerrard decides that he wants to sit this out. McClaren made Terry captain ahead of Gerrard, refused to use Carragher and now refuses to pick Pennant even when Lennon hasn't played for ages and Bently would never get into the Liverpool team.

[Elchris]

I agree wif your comment except for david bentley ,  i thinks he's a superb player and now its up to gerrard to decided and i think he's going to play for england , if he's injury gets serious mf i'm going freakin mad at both of dem.

[adamnbarrett]

why don't you force fat fwank to play injured instead?

fuck off Mclaren

I hope Pennant doesn't get picked and I'm glad Carra retired. They'd only get injured in pointless games anyway.

At the end of the day:

Club > Country

[red37]

why don't you force fat fwank to play injured instead?

fuck off Mclaren

I hope Pennant doesn't get picked and I'm glad Carra retired. They'd only get injured in pointless games anyway.

At the end of the day:

Club > Country

[Gracias King Rafa]

Go hence forth and multiply Mcclown,England don't pay his wages after all!!

[ste123lfc]

I think Gerrard should extend his middle finger in the direction of McClaren and tell him to rearrange this well know phrase or expression  OFF FUCK

[RichardLFC1]

If Gerrard is fit he will want to play. If Not then he wont play thats the end of it. If Gerrard is unfit Mcclaren cant force him

[lakes10]

i know i am going to get shouted down for this but, if he is fit he should play. England need to win the games and i tell you what, it would be a very boring summer next year if England did not make it......sorry.

[MightyLFC]

Mclaren Should go and himself

[ste123lfc]

i know i am going to get shouted down for this but, if he is fit he should play. England need to win the games and i tell you what, it would be a very boring summer next year if England did not make it......sorry.

I will just watch spain, just as many liverpool players

[lakes10]

i know i am going to get shouted down for this but, if he is fit he should play. England need to win the games and i tell you what, it would be a very boring summer next year if England did not make it......sorry.

I will just watch spain, just as many liverpool players

lol i did not think of that 

[username]

i know i am going to get shouted down for this but, if he is fit he should play. England need to win the games and i tell you what, it would be a very boring summer next year if England did not make it......sorry.

I will just watch spain, just as many liverpool players

Not bad idea, spain as there 2nd country of choice anyone? 

[mighty mo]

i know i am going to get shouted down for this but, if he is fit he should play. England need to win the games and i tell you what, it would be a very boring summer next year if England did not make it......sorry.

I will just watch spain, just as many liverpool players

hahahahahhaha

[The Manhattan Project]

England will lose to Israel.

Benayoun will score the winning goal and will take off his shirt to reveal a tattoo saying "LFC Forever!!!" on his chest.


Ronnie Rosenthal will be seen in the stands singing Johnny Cash.

[Kharhaz]

Funny how suddenly Gerrard is the most important player for england all of a sudden. All the time "Gerrard is word class", "Hes a brilliant player" while constantly playing him out of position and subduing his role in the team by cutting out what he does best by making him sit back and cover for lampard who does nothing but try a shot when the ball comes his way. I hope we lose and dont qualify because the sooner we get rid of all the deadwood sven left behind the sooner we can get someone in who knows whats what. Until then, Gerrard shouldnt play, rafa decided against it because he doesnt want to risk, so mcclaren, being a manc will probably play him.