Gerrard to stay on as England captain after Hodgson talks

Gerrard to stay on as England captain after Hodgson talks

Jun 25, 2012 12:15:00 PM

The Liverpool midfielder confirms he will continue as skipper of the Three Lions despite failure to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2012 after defeat to Italy in a penalty shoot-out

Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will continue as England captain following talks with manager Roy Hodgson.

The Liverpool midfielder, 32, revealed he will remain the Three Lions' skipper despite their exit at the quarter-final-stage of Euro 2012 after defeat to Italy on penalties.

Oliver Platt
England Expert

Steven Gerrard, despite his advancing years, has earned the right to wear the armband for England as they attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Competition for his place is on its way in the form of Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverley, among others, but for now the Liverpool star will retain his starting berth on the back of his finest tournament in an England shirt.

Gerrard's experience will make him an invaluable mentor for those young players before Joe Hart likely takes the captaincy in a couple of years' time.

Gerrard will now lead Roy Hodgson's side in the qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup, as they look to bounce back from yet another disappointing end to a major tournament.

He told reporters: "I had a brief chat with the manager. I'm available as long as I'm wanted at this level and the manager's told me he wants me to continue and carry on. I'm there, I'm available."

Gerrard admitted he relished the opportunity to captain his country and feels he gave all he could to help his country, including scoring one of the Three Lions' two successful penalties in the shoot-out against the Azzurri.

He added: "I've loved it. I've loved the responsibility and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I've tried my best, I've given everything I've got. I gave it my best shot."

The 32-year-old had been one of England's most impressive performers at the tournament, contributing three assists and leading from the front for Hodgson' side.

However, he admitted that despite taking some pleasure from his own success, it does not ease the hurt he currently feels over the failure to reach the last four of the competition.

"I think performance-wise I'm reasonably satisfied with my own level that I played at. It still doesn't [paper] over the pain and the hurt I'm feeling," he said.

"At the moment I'm in a zone of personal frustration and disappointment because we've come so close to ending that quarter-final hoodoo."

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