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Midfielder Gerrard bemoans being played out of position

07/09/2008

Steven Gerrard claims his displays for England have been below-par because he is played out of position.

The Liverpool skipper is currently recovering from groin surgery and will miss England’s clash with Croatia on Wednesday in Zagreb.

Gerrard, who made his England debut in 2000, admits his performances have failed to match his club form.

The 28-year-old said his best position is in central midfield but has continually been played on the left and right sides for his country.

"I've played in my favourite position for England five times in 68 games. What can you do? I go into training with England and try to prove myself every day, " Gerrard told the Sunday Times newspaper.

"I've paid the price for being able to do a decent job in other positions.

"Other players don't get shunted around because they can't do it. I can't go and play on the right or the left and become Kaka or Robinho, I just go out there, give 100% and do a steady job.

"My game suffers when my position is changed. I'm a central midfielder and in the big games I want to play in the middle and show that I'm one of the very best in that position."

Gerrard added he would not be fit for Liverpool’s crunch game with Manchester United at Anfield next Sunday.

"I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille [September 16th]," Gerrard said.

"I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back. I don't want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys."