Capello pleased with Gerrard in the middle
England manager Fabio Capello has said he has been pleased to see Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson play Steven Gerrard in a central midfield position this season.
Gerrard, Liverpool's captain since 2003, was played as a withdrawn striker behind Fernando Torres during manager Rafael Benitez' time at the club.
But following Hodgson's arrival, new signing Joe Cole has assumed the role behind Torres, with Gerrard playing further back in midfield, as he did for Capello's England team in its recent Euro 2012 qualifiers.
"For a long time Steven Gerrard played for Liverpool like a second forward. This year he is playing like a midfielder," Capello told the press. "He has started to play fantastic. He wins back the ball and then makes really important passes."
Impressed in qualifiers
During England's two qualifying wins, Gerrard contributed crucially from midfield.
Against Bulgaria last week, the stand-in captain dictated the tempo of the match by distributing long- and short-range passes with ease. He also combined with Wayne Rooney to set up Jermain Defoe for his second goal of the night.
And on Tuesday against Switzerland, Gerrard capped off a fine performance by playing Adam Johnson through on goal as the winger doubled England's lead.
Gerrard's inspiring display as captain, in the qualifiers and at this year's World Cup, have led many to call on Capello to make him first-choice skipper ahead of current captain Rio Ferdinand.
Challenge from Lampard
But as several of England's injured players return to fitness, including Ferdinand, the captain's armband may not be the only thing Gerrard has to relinquish.
Chelsea's Frank Lampard is recovering from a hernia problem, and once he returns the 32-year-old will challenge Gerrard and Gareth Barry for a spot in England's central midfield.
That selection problem is a pleasant one for Capello, though, who insisted that he will pick his next starting 11 after training with his next squad.
"I have always said the door is open for all the players. I have to decide who will come in. After that I will decide who is in the first eleven."
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