Steven Gerrard is disappointed at losing England captaincy
Steven Gerrard has stated that he was disappointed to give up the England captaincy to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
Gerrard had taken over the role of captain for the World Cup after Ferdinand had to withdraw from the squad with a back injury.
The central defender’s injury problems have continued and Gerrard has led out England in all of their European Championship qualifiers so far.
Gerrard told ITV sport, “I am disappointed I am not going to be leading the boys out. I totally understood the situation from day one and the reason why I became stand-in captain. Now Rio is back fit, he gets the job."
The Liverpool midfielder believes that the captaincy has improved his performances on the pitch and he said, “The boost you get when the manager says you are leading the team out and you are wearing the armband is massive.”
"It certainly helps, although I would like to think my performances have improved anyway. I am really happy with how I played since the manager came in," added Gerrard.
England’s results with Gerrard have been mixed. They under-performed at the World Cup and were knocked out of the competition by Germany in a 4-1 defeat.
However, they have had a faultless European qualifying competition and Gerrard has produced some of his best displays in an England shirt.
Of his time as captain Gerrard said, "It has been a terrific experience. I have loved every minute.”
Ferdinand led the team out against Montenegro and providing he can maintain his fitness the Manchester United player will keep the captaincy for the rest of the campaign.
The Liverpool midfielder believes that his good form will continue for England, despite losing the captaincy and that Ferdinand’s return will strengthen England’s chances of qualifying for the European Championships in 2012.
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