Leading England to World Cup final my ultimate challenge, says Gerrard
By admin, ANIFriday, June 11, 2010
RUSTENBURG - England skipper Steven Gerrard has said that the ultimate challenge for him is to lead his team to the World Cup final in Johannesburg next month.
“For me the challenge is, ‘Can I lead a group of players all the way to the final and can I perform consistently in every game at a major tournament?’ That is what I’ll be aiming to do,” The Sun quoted Gerrard, as saying.
“I’m in a good moment. Physically I’m in great shape and mentally I’m fine. I can’t wait to get going. You look at home and see the support you’re going to be getting and how big this tournament is to people and to be the leader of the pack is an unbelievable feeling,” he added.
The 30-year-old further said that to deliver in the tournament all the players would have to get together and form a strong group.
“We’ve got to use the hurt from not qualifying for Euro 2008 to spur us on and prove we are a good side. People always talk about us as one of the favourites, but now it’s time to deliver,” Gerrard said
“All the players recognise this is the stage and want to show that they can go to a World Cup and shine and be a top player, but it’s important that we do it as a group. We don’t want players being too individual and thinking about themselves,” he added.
When asked if he had pictured himself lifting the trophy, Gerrard said: “I’ve certainly dreamed about it. That’s what dreams are made of. It’ll be difficult, but looking at the players we have gives me confidence that it just might happen.” (ANI)
