Gerrard aiming to reproduce Reds form

Last updated : 06 June 2009 By Al Campbell
Gerrard had a great season for the Reds, ending up as the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year. He now aims to reproduce his club form for his country, starting against Kazakhstan this afternoon.

"My ambition is to play for England like I do for Liverpool," he said.

"It's been difficult at times for me with England because I've played in different positions, but I've also got myself to blame for under-performing.

"I feel that under Capello I will get the chance to play in that attacking role.

"I'm trying to get the same understanding with Wayne as I have with Torres. It's easy to play with good players and Wayne is certainly on Fernando's level.

"My relationship with Wayne over the last three or four games has been really good and I think that has showed.

"We are starting to play without fear for England. Capello is instilling a winning mentality into the team and you can see that in our performances.

"In the past there's been so much expectation and it weighed heavy.

"We don't want expectations for next year's World Cup finals to turn into a negative pressure as it has done before.

"The thing that I have been impressed with since Capello joined is that all the players are on their toes, with no-one expecting to start every game.

"Everyone has to be fit, perform well in training and in games to keep their place. That makes everyone perform better.

"The confidence in the squad is definitely strong now, though."