Steven Gerrard optimistic about England's young talent
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who also led England in the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, has said that there is immense talent in the younger ranks of English football, and the future of England is secure. He said that he was very impressed by the youth of England and said that the fans need not worry and should keep faith with the national team. He was speaking ahead of England’s friendly against Hungary, where he said that he has no doubt that the English fans would show their feelings over the disappointing World Cup campaign.
Gerrard said that the World Cup did not go according to plan, and if he was in the stands in the upcoming friendly he may have also thought of booing the English team. However he said that when he went to training and saw the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshire on the pitch he was very thrilled and optimistic about things to come.
He said that there are at least 5 or 6 players in the squad who are young and with abundance of talent. He added that given the right guidance and opportunity they can certainly be groomed into world class individuals. The midfielder said that matches like the friendly against Hungary are perfect platforms to try out such young talents.
The Liverpool captain added that players like these should be given proper time and atmosphere. Gerrard said that they should not be thrown too soon into big games like in World Cup or European championships. He added that it is equally hard for experienced players to make it work in big games and if a player is gradually taken through the process it will be best for him.
England take on Hungary in their first international match, since the disappointing World Cup campaign that ended with a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Germany in the round of 16.
England manager Fabio Capello and his team have been under the hammer since returning from the World Cup, by fans and media from all over the country. The match against Hungary is seen as a new chapter in English football and will be the last match before the Qualifying campaign for Euro 2012 begins in September.
Capello has said that he is apologetic to England fans, and admitted after the World Cup that he did make some mistakes before the World Cup that ended up costing him dearly. He added that from now on a new story for the English team begins and he will not repeat the same mistakes.
He said that he took every word from the critics on the chin, but instead of being demoralized he has taken all of that to rectify his tactical flaws.
Former England captain John Terry said that even though the World Cup did not go as planned, there is enough potential in the England team to do well in the European championships coming up in 2012. He said that the team was probably too tired and overplayed before the World Cup. There was not much time off for the players and that was the biggest reason for the dismal show in the World cup.
Meanwhile 2 English players have announced their retirement from International football; Wes Brown, the centre back, from Manchester United has decided to focus more on club football and called it a day for England, and former England goalkeeper Mark Robinson has also decided to hang his international boots.
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