Liverpool

England Boss Fabio Capello To Drop Liverpool's Steven Gerrard?

Strict disciplinarian Fabio Capello has warned Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo to veer away from imitating Steve Gerrard. Does this mean the Italian may drop Liverpool's captain for the Spain game next month?

Jan 5, 2009 3:26:33 PM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

England Training: Fabio Capello (PA)

Teams

Steven Gerrard has been courting controversy recently as he has been charged with assault and affray for an incident in a nightclub.

This could end up jeopardising his inclusion in the England set-up as head coach Fabio Capello has long been an advocate of off-field professionalism, and any ill discipline could be detrimental to future selection.

In an interview on Firenzeviola.it, Capello told Riccardo Montolivo - whose idols include Gerrard, as he bases his game on the Liverpool captain:

"Let's hope he (Montolivo) doesn't want to imitate Gerrard in every way, especially his recent behaviour."

An FA spokesperson has recently played down the remarks, insisting they were "offhand."

The spokesperson went on to claim that Gerrard should still be in line for a place in the Spain game:

"If a player is convicted of a serious criminal offence then the issue of his selection for the national team would be considered on its individual merits.

"But no player is banned from international duty while they are the subject of a police inquiry."

England travel to Spain for a scheduled friendly on February 11.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com