Gerrard: It's about time England ended all the hurt and pain on the major stage

By BOB CASS

Steven Gerrard will lead England against Italy

Steven Gerrard has sounded England’s European Championship battle cry by urging his team-mates to ‘grasp the moment’ and put an end to the country’s dismal record in international tournaments.
The England skipper, desperate to beat Italy to claim a semi-final place against Germany, insisted: ‘Since I made my England debut I’ve dreamt of doing well in these major tournaments. Up to now, that hasn’t happened.
‘There’s another chance here to do it and because of the hurt and pain I’ve been through before, I’m hoping it will be different this time. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.
‘The players have been involved in big games throughout their careers, even those who haven’t played in a quarter-final. They’re all aware how big the game is.

‘The atmosphere is superb in the squad. It’s important all the players seize this opportunity and this moment. They don’t come around very often. It’s important we leave everything out there and show to our critics and doubters that we are capable of performing at this level.’
England have not managed to get past the quarter-finals of a major tournament since they reached the semis of Euro 96. Now Italy, a team they have not beaten in a competitive match since 1977, stand in the way of Roy Hodgson’s team repeating that achievement tonight in the vast Olympic Stadium.
And there will be no shortage of optimism in the England dressing room, with Gerrard declaring: ‘The reason for the confidence and self-belief in the team is because of how we’ve performed in the tournament.
‘We’ve shown how together we are, how prepared we are to fight for each other and, at the right times, we’ve provided the bit of class or skill that you need to come through on top of the group.
‘It’s so far so good, but we also realise the level of teams goes up a notch, so you need to raise your own game. Maybe we need to perform better than we have done so far.’

Talking tactics: Gerrard (right) with Roy Hodgson as England prepare to face Italy on Sunday

He added: ‘This is a fantastic moment for this team and this group of players. It’s important that we grasp it and don’t go home with any regrets. The only thing we can do is try and play at a good level, leave everything out there and give your best. Hopefully that’s enough to take you through.
‘Once you get to this stage and you can see what’s in sight, you start to dream. To lose any quarter-final match hurts so much.’
The captain underlined his determination to lead the team to a higher level of performance against opposition packed with talent, expressing his personal satisfaction at the way he has performed in the three qualifying matches. ‘I’m enjoying the tournament, personally,’ he said. ‘I’m playing at a good level, but there’s still a lot of hard work and good performances needed before I get out of this tournament what I want, personally and also as a team.

Main men: Gerrard and Wayne Rooney will be crucial to England's chances of beating Italy

‘My focus is on playing well, not what I’ve done. In previous tournaments the level of performance has been below what we’re capable of. We’ve got stronger as this tournament has gone on. Hopefully, that will continue.’
Gerrard, 32, singled out Joe Hart for particular praise, hailing the Manchester City goalkeeper as one of the best in the world.
‘Eventually he’ll go on to be the best in the world, added Gerrard. ‘He’s going to be one of our key players tonight. We need Joe to perform to his max level because at some time in the game, or in extra-time or penalties, he’ll be called upon to make a fantastic save. We all trust he can do that.’

Formidable: Italy have performed above expectations so far in the Euro 2012 tournament

But Gerrard also warned that Italy’s Andrea Pirlo is a ‘world class’ threat from midfield.‘He’s proved for many years he’s been one of the best midfielders out there. He’s certainly one we’ll have to try and control. But this game is certainly not about me or Pirlo, or Wayne Rooney or Mario Balotelli. It’s about England v Italy. The chances in the game are 50-50. It’s a very even game.’
And Gerrard responded to praise from Daniele de Rossi by returning the compliment to the Italians.

Listen up: Mario Balotelli could hold the key for Italy against England if he is chosen to start

‘I’m very flattered and humbled to receive compliments from those players. The feeling from me is mutual respect for those players as well. De Rossi is a fantastic midfielder who can see a long pass, create goals, score goals. (Claudio) Marchisio is more forward-thinking, making runs into the box, but both are threats. Myself and Scott Parker have to control the midfield area because Italy have got three superb players in the middle and if they have control of the game, we’re going to be in trouble.
‘But we’ve got a lot of leaders around the set-up, and that’s the reason we’re doing so well. John Terry has been a big part of that. His performances have been superb and we’ll need another against Italy.’

source: dailymail