12 June 2010

Steven Gerrard insists the weight of expectation that comes with being England captain won't stifle his performances during the World Cup finals.

The Liverpool midfielder will skipper the Three Lions in South Africa and believes the prospect of leading his country all the way on international football's biggest stage can serve as added motivation.

"How do I stop it becoming a burden? By enjoying it," said Gerrard. "The people around me won't allow it to be a burden.

"I've got to use it as a motivation rather than a burden. It gives me extra drive. I want to be a successful captain.

"To be the leader of the pack is an unbelievable feeling, a great honour. Hopefully that will help my performances because we're all desperate to do well.
"I don't want to be going home early. I want to lead the boys as far as I can."

Gerrard has won 80 caps for England since making his international debut against Ukraine just over 10 years ago.

However, he accepts captaining his country at a major tournament is something of a new challenge for him to tackle.

"I have shown signs that I can do it at this level, by scoring goals and putting in decent performances," said the Reds No.8.

"But, for me, the challenge is: can I lead a group of players all the way to the final? And can I perform consistently in every game at a major tournament? That is what I will be aiming to do.

"I'm in a good moment. Physically, I'm in great shape. Mentally I'm fine. I'm champing at the bit and I can't wait to get going."



When Gerrard lines up for England in their Group C opener against the USA on Saturday evening, he will become only the 10th man to captain the Three Lions at a World Cup - and the 30-year-old is well aware he could be standing on the brink of history.

"We all do feel that, to be recognised as a 'truly great' player, you have to show it on this stage," he said.

"Everyone wants to prove they can go to a World Cup and shine. Do that and you're a top player. It gives me some extra motivation, extra drive, to think there have only been nine men who have captained England at the World Cup before me, and I want to be a successful captain.

"Of course, it would have been better if Rio was still here and leading the boys out, but he is not with us. The job falls on my shoulders and I'm really excited."

He added: "It's a fantastic opportunity that we have here. We know we're a good team and on our day we are capable of beating anyone, but there are eight or 10 teams who can win.

"We feel as if we've underachieved over the years with the players that we have. But it is easy to talk the talk. The difficult thing is to go out there and walk the walk.

"We've got to use the hurt from not having qualified for Euro 2008 to spur us on to delivering here. We have to prove to people we are a good side.

"We have been working very hard and, each day, we are getting sharper and better.

"If the big players can perform at this World Cup, I believe we can be successful.