Mark Lawrenson: Build England team around Steven Gerrard and axe Frank Lampard

By Mark Lawrenson on Oct 14, 08 08:21 AM in Columnists

STEVEN GERRARD has a huge influence on the outcome of matches when playing in the red of Liverpool.

But once he puts on the white of England he too often finds himself reduced to the kind of role where he can be nowhere near as effective.

Which is why manager Fabio Capello needs to put an end to the debate over whether Gerrard can play alongside Frank Lampard in the England midfield - and leave out the Chelsea player.

That is no disrespect to Lampard, who has been outstanding for his club this season and can lay claim to the title of the Premier League's player of the season so far.

But it is Gerrard's ability to change the course of a game and drive others forward that means Capello should be looking to build his side round the Liverpool captain's strengths.

The fact is that good players though both undoubtedly are, they cannot work together because they both want to be in the same places on the field of play. You can't have two salts - you need salt and pepper.

Both do not do the holding role well. They are players who are at their best when getting forward, passing the ball well and making breaks into the penalty area.

Had Joe Cole been fit at the weekend, it might be that Capello would have stuck with the side that did so well in Croatia and challenged Gerrard to get back into it after missing out last time through injury.

But having chosen him to play, England must make the most of his qualities.

There may be slight differences to their game, but both Gerrard and Lampard want to get into the box. However there were times during the 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan when the Liverpool player seemed hesitant over whether he could pile forward.

But it is Gerrard's movement round the pitch that gives the edge over Lampard and makes him such a dangerous player. Especially when allied to his long-range shooting ability and a wider array of passes.


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Spain have had to deal with a similar problem and that has meant Cesc Fabregas having to settle for a place on the bench. It did not stop them winning Euro 2008.

Gerrard has rarely played in his best position for England - a situation that is also threatening to befall Wayne Rooney.

But the team should be built round the pair at their best - and that means straight down the middle. Rooney looked far more effective in the second half at Wembley, especially against a tiring team.

You want players like Gerrard and Rooney in positions where they can influence games.

In American Football, they call these kind of players a 'franchise player' because you would move your franchise for them.

You see Gerrard in his favoured position for Liverpool far more often these days and they are reaping the benefits.

Capello has already shown a total focus on winning games regardless of what the critics may say - and that is absolutely fine.

But Gerrard must be played in the position where he can win games for England in the same way as he does for Liverpool.

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7 Comments

Rob said:

Isn't it interesting how you Scousers all seem to think that everyone should work around Gerrard? Isn't that the diametric opposite of the point of playing in a team?

Nick Jones said:

You talk utter nonsense Lawrenson. Your opinion got anything to do with the fact that 'Stevie G' plays for your beloved Liverpool? Lampard proved on Saturday that he is a better all round player to Gerrard. The stats speak for themselves. He scores more, creates more and is more influential when it comes down to it. Where was CAPTAIN Gerrard for the home Qualifier against Croatia? The only reason Gerrard gets that plaudits he does is because the other midfielders at Liverpool at second rate. Its about time ex-pro's like yourself open your bias eyes and make a valid point on the top issues in the country rather than the usual garbage. At the end of the season, we will once again see Lampard prove he is the best midfielder in the Premier League although I'm sure Mr Gerrard will somehow find his way into the 'team of the year' as always. The sooner people like you cut all ties with football the better.

JR said:

I don't care I'm leaving

JR said:

Lynn Fotis has a beautiful piece

knoxie said:

any reason y u put me on da internet lmao the boy on the bottom rigt by priceless is me lmao!

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