International week - 3 things we have learned

England – They could lose Gerrard just as they did with Scholes

As Stuart Pearce handed the captaincy to Scott Parker it left a lot in the game more than confused.

Steven Gerrard is England’s vice captain and therefore has to be the man for the job. He has been there and done it at club level and has one so many occasions turned the game for Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard 

There cannot be any argument about age both men are 31 years old, and importantly tonight Gerrard won his 90^th cap for country as Parker picked up only his 10^th.

Over the last twelve months Parker has become an integral part of the team and the makeup of the midfield but he really doesn’t offer that much to the team apart from his tough tackling.

If you compare their career’s Gerrard has led Liverpool to everything (apart from the obvious) Parker has on the other has struggled. Mid table mediocrity at Charlton was followed by failures at Chelsea and Newcastle. His West Ham side were relegated and now he does a job for Tottenham.

The big risk for England is that it is likely that after the European Championships Gerrard will turn his back on his country just as Paul Scholes did and it would be far too early.

He has been rushed back into action by Liverpool and at times has looked tired but has shone with a match winning performance against Newcastle being the most memorable.  

He would be 33 if England qualify for Brazil and what a stage it would be for him to bow out on, the FA need to sort the managerial mess out and install Gerrard as captain for the campaign.

Wales – Craig Bellamy needs to give the fans one more campaign

On an emotional night in Cardiff, Craig Bellamy lead out his nation at Gary Speed’s memorial game and he provides new manager Chris Coleman with his first challenge.

He needs to ensure that Bellamy is part of the team ahead of the qualifying campaign that kicks off against Belgium in September.

Craig Bellamy

Since his summer move back to Liverpool he has been reborn and is now seen as an integral part of Kenny Dalglish’s side. With injuries a constant worry for Bellamy it would perhaps be easy for him to call it a day on his international career to ensure the longevity of his club career.

Coleman will over the next couple of weeks have to sit down with Bellamy and outline a plan ahead of the qualifying campaign. It is key that the issue is resolved relatively quickly as Wales need to carry on the momentum from the end of their last qualifying campaign.

Far too many campaigns have come to a premature end as a result of poor starts and let’s be honest if Coleman does not have all of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Bellamy in his first competitive XI they will struggle. Bellamy is integral and certainly has one more campaign left in him. 

Other business – England’s group opponents gear up for the Euros.

Right around Europe England’s group opponents were in action and as England has no manager and no permanent captain they all impress with memorable victories on the road.

Laurent Blanc’s France recorded a famous victory over Germany in Bremen. Goals from Olivier Giroud and Chelsea’s Flourent Molouda getting the goals to continue their impressive run.

Sebastian Larsson

No one expects much from the French at the tournament but for me they must now be considered as dark horses and will pose a tough start for England come June.

Sweden recorded a 3-1 win over Croatia in Zagreb as Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson grabbed two goals after Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s first half strike as they dismantled Slaven Bilic’s side. It is a result that will encourage the Republic of Ireland who tackle the Croats in their opening game of the tournament on June the 10^th.

England’s tournament may well be over by the time they take on hosts Ukraine in their final group game as they beat Israel 3-2  in Petach Tikva. Goals from Oleh Gusev and Yevhen Konoplyanka gave the visitors a two-goal lead at the break before substitute Tomer Hemed reduced the deficit from the penalty spot ten minutes into the second half. Andriy Yarmolenko's close-range finish made it 3-1 just past the hour and although Ben Sahar pulled one back for the hosts, Ukraine held on to ensure their preparations for the summer continued.

Reds in control against poor City

Steven Gerrard’s first half penalty gives Liverpool a vital lead, against a lacklustre and toothless Manchester City.

A distinct lack of atmosphere at the Etihad was apparent as everyone involved with City looked as if they were still smarting from their FA Cup exit at the hands of their neighbours. This was typified by Mario Balotelli who once again didn’t seem to ‘fancy it’ against Liverpool, and City’s lack of invention was alarming.

Before Gerrard’s excellent spot kick, Joe Hart had already denied Andy Carroll and the returning captain's effort, after a smart layoff from Stuart Downing.

Steven Gerrard

Much of the talk pre match was on how City would miss Vincent Kompany and that proved to be the case, when Stefan Savic recklessly fouled Daniel Agger in the area to round off a woeful opening for the young Serbian.

In terms of goalmouth action that was it really from Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish’s gameplan had worked a treat and crucially unlike last week they had managed to take advantage of their early dominance.

Balotelli was poor and his petulance following a foul by Charlie Adam summed his nights’ work up. His replacement Samir Nasri was placid and did little to show why he would be worthy of a regular starting spot a shadow of his Arsenal form.

Pepe Reina was solid all game and saved Martin Kelly’s blushes when he blocked off Sergio Aguero’s route to goal after the Argentine had been set free, he was also on hand to deny Micah Richards’ goal bound header.

It was a case of backs to the wall for Liverpool as they soaked up the City pressure, it was reminiscent of the Benitez era in Europe and just as his sides did got what they wanted.

The lack of David Silva’s invention and creativity was apparent as Nasri and co continually came up against a sea of red, which was solidified by Jamie Carragher who ensured that the backline held firm.

The Carling Cup

Tonight Liverpool have taken a huge step towards their first visit to Wembley since 1996, but they know that Manchester City will not be that poor again. It will be like a European night at Anfield to kick off a week that will see both Manchester sides visit in cup games. The League Cup it is a trophy Liverpool ever since their second round tie at Exeter have set out to win.

The Carling Cup might not be at the forefront of Mancini’s thoughts right now but he will want to add to his growing legacy at City and knows his side has it all to do in two weeks time in what is sure to be a ferocious atmosphere. 

Leader's return gives Reds much needed lift

On Friday evening Liverpool’s talismanic captain returned from the start to lead his team into the fourth round of the FA Cup, as they overcame an impressive Oldham at Anfield.

A wonder strike early on from Robbie Simpson ensured Oldham got a deserved opener that their bright play deserved and sent their impressive away fans into delirium. 

Although their joy did not last too long as Craig Bellamy deflected the impressive Jonjo Shelvey’s shot in within two minutes. 

Jonjo Shelvey 

The early goal from Paul Dickov’s men was the kick up the backside Liverpool needed. They were poor and lacked a spark in the early exchanges and were fortunate to only concede the one as Shefki Kuqi (now 35) worryingly tormented Jamie Carragher and his apprentice Sebastian Coates.

As Liverpool grew into the game and stamped their authority on the tie on the stroke of half time a needless foul on Maxi, ensured Liverpool would go into the break leading thanks to Steven Gerrard who buried his chance from 12 yards. 

Oldham’s first half showing ensured a great start to the third round weekend and they still were in with a shout until the menace Craig Bellamy set up Shelvey who netted his first goal in the red shirt firing from ten yards.

A fantastic finish from Andy Carroll will lift some of the pressure off his shoulders (until the carling cup tie on Wednesday at least).


The home side ran away with the game after some unsavoury scenes that involved Oldham’s on loan defender Tom Adeyemi and home fans. It is way too early to comment until we see the facts, but any fans charged with abuse of any kind will surely get a lifetime ban from the game and it will not be tolerated.

Stewart Downing added a fifth late on and it will lift his confidence as well, the fitness of Steven Gerrard is going to key as Liverpool look to end their 6 year cup drought and see a return to the Champions League.


Gerrard's vision and creativity will relieve the pressure burdened on Jordan Henderson, Downing and Carroll, he will also play a huge part in the development of Jay Spearing and Shelvey as Liverpool begins to plan for a future without him.

Steven Gerrard

For now Gerrard has a role to play and with him in the first XI he could once again hold the key as the club need to start performing on the field and take some of the focus from recent off field incidents.