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Steven Gerrard Insists Wayne Rooney Is 'Fine' & That England's Euro 2012 Qualifying Game Against Switzerland 'Can Be A Release' For Manchester United Star
Midfielder hopeful of erasing memories of 'poor' World Cup 2010 showing...
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Sep 6, 2010 4:20:00 PM
By Matt Monaghan
England captain Steven Gerrard is hopeful tomorrow's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland will see Wayne Rooney release his frustration after an off the pitch scandal.
Rooney, 24, dominated the front and back pages last weekend after masterminding the 4-0 victory against Bulgaria and then was presented with accusations of adultery. Earlier, manager Fabio Capello confirmed his star striker would play in St Jakob Park and the Liverpool midfielder echoed that message.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Gerrard said: "I spoke to Wayne today at lunch-time and trained with him yesterday. Wayne is fine and looking forward to the game and playing well.
"Football can do that for you if you have an issue of the field it can be a release.
"I expect another big performance from you as I do every time I play with him."
The Three Lions' previous campaign to reach World Cup 2010 started with a bang with a crucial 4-1 victory in Zagreb against Croatia. Gerrard refused to get carried away with thoughts of a repeat result.
"I think that will be difficult. Switzerland are a good team, very organised defensively and difficult to score against," the 30-year-old stated.
"To ask for a 4-1 scoreline will be difficult. Of course, any win would do wonders for our confidence."
The fixture also represents the first away trip since the disappointing second round exit to Germany in South Africa. Gerrard was confident his team-mates would pass the test presented by the Ottmar Hitzfeld's charges.
He added: "We've won the two games at Wembley but this is the first away game since the poor showing against Germany at the World Cup.
"It will be a big test, but as captain of the team I'm really confident the lads can get the three points."
Rooney, 24, dominated the front and back pages last weekend after masterminding the 4-0 victory against Bulgaria and then was presented with accusations of adultery. Earlier, manager Fabio Capello confirmed his star striker would play in St Jakob Park and the Liverpool midfielder echoed that message.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Gerrard said: "I spoke to Wayne today at lunch-time and trained with him yesterday. Wayne is fine and looking forward to the game and playing well.
"Football can do that for you if you have an issue of the field it can be a release.
"I expect another big performance from you as I do every time I play with him."
The Three Lions' previous campaign to reach World Cup 2010 started with a bang with a crucial 4-1 victory in Zagreb against Croatia. Gerrard refused to get carried away with thoughts of a repeat result.
"I think that will be difficult. Switzerland are a good team, very organised defensively and difficult to score against," the 30-year-old stated.
"To ask for a 4-1 scoreline will be difficult. Of course, any win would do wonders for our confidence."
The fixture also represents the first away trip since the disappointing second round exit to Germany in South Africa. Gerrard was confident his team-mates would pass the test presented by the Ottmar Hitzfeld's charges.
He added: "We've won the two games at Wembley but this is the first away game since the poor showing against Germany at the World Cup.
"It will be a big test, but as captain of the team I'm really confident the lads can get the three points."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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