Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 3:08 pmwe have only lost one game with gerrard in the side lol good fact
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Gerrard: I can fill Rooney void
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 7 May 2006
Steven Gerrard has put himself forward as an alternative to Wayne Rooney.
England will at the very least look to go through the group stages of the World Cup finals without the injured Rooney.
Coach Sven Goran Eriksson has few options, with Peter Crouch mooted as the most likely name to fill in - although Joe Cole and now Gerrard feel they could easily offer an alternative.
Liverpool captain admits he is frustrated at international level as he cannot push forward as he does with such regularity in The Premiership.
"I was thinking about it the other day. I've got 40 caps and I've only played in my strongest position [attacking midfield] for England for 45 minutes," Gerrard told The Independent.
"Certain people have criticised me at international level, saying I haven't reproduced my Liverpool form, but the reason I'm playing so well for my club is because I'm playing in my favourite role.
"I have this belief: if he's playing in his strongest position, Steven Gerrard will play his best football.
"I wouldn't say frustrating is the right word. Obviously, Frank's [Lampard] doing a fantastic job.
"But it's meant that my England position has been changed virtually every time.
"That's not to say I can't do a job in other positions. But against Uruguay [when Lampard was injured], I got 45 minutes in my favourite role, and I enjoyed it."
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gerrard playing off owen or crouch in my view would be effective even within the england formation.. lampard and carrick should be the hold. let stevie roam about off the front man.
but it is paramount that we have a holding midfielder in the center alongside Fat frank. Carrick's the name thats floating about, but the last time I saw him play he was never international standard, I did'nt rate him. So to be honest I dont really know who to play as the holding mid. I would of said Ledley King but he got the run around by France the last time he played that position. Also the matter of the left is a talking point too, if he was fully and match fit I would of started Ashley Cole there ahead of Joe. For the main reason being the balance of the team and Joe being right footed would alway's look to cut inside therefore not using the full width of the pitch.