Capello backs Gerrard but doesn’t guarantee him a starting place

The Steven Gerrard debate goes on and on. Will Fabio Capello select him for tonight’s game in Belarus? It certainly looks like he will although there is a strong argument to return to the midfield pairing of Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard that did so well in Croatia. No guarantees

Capello has given his backing to both Gerrard and Lampard but was non-committal when it came to saying whether either or both were guaranteed a place in his starting line-up. He told Sky Sports,

“Yes, it’s always the same. If I pick Gerrard I will be asked ‘why not Lampard?’ If I pick Lampard I will be asked ‘why not Gerrard?’ I think they can play together. Gerrard has played some games well.

It’s easier when you play for your club because you are training every day and you know the players very well. I am always happy with Gerrard and Lampard’s performance. But also the other players, I don’t like to speak about one or two players. I have to decide the first eleven.

You will have to wait until after the last training session and then I will decide. I have to decide the position on the pitch of the first eleven, it is not about one player.”

There has always been much talk about the fact that Gerrard has rarely produced the wonderful and inspirational type of performances for England that he so often does for Liverpool.

Previous managers have always denied that is the case and Gerrard has never spoken about it either. Now, it seems that the matter is out in the open and is being acknowledged by both the manager and the player. At least those of us that have commented on this before can now rest assured that we are not going mad!

“Don’t drop me” Gerrard has publicly urged Fabio Capello not to drop him and admits that he needs to be more consistent to keep his place in the England team.

He has now accepted that he has rarely clicked with regular midfield partner Frank Lampard. It is an issue that has baffled everyone before and will continue to baffle everyone.

A new look for 2016, this is the Lori Chalupny White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Megan Rapinoe, Morgan Brian, Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan and Lauren Holiday. heather o'reilly jersey 2016 Two great midfield players who just cannot produce the goods when they play together. Fighting