Gerrard: 'We're all united'

Steven Gerrard last night promised to wear the captain's armband with pride and help restore the nation's faith in the England team.

Gerrard says it is vital that England's players behave as role models after admitting they have to remember their "responsibilities".

The Liverpool skipper leads England by default against Egypt tonight because John Terry was stripped of the captaincy and Rio Ferdinand is injured.

Even Fabio Capello believes too much is made of the armband, but Gerrard says that leading your country is still the pinnacle of any English player's career - no matter how the captaincy is viewed in other countries.

Gerrard insisted he has now got a huge job on his hands after recent events and says he must ensure the dressing room is together after the Terry-Wayne Bridge fall-out.

Gerrard: "We did really well in qualification and I think this is a fantastic opportunity to show the fans and everyone around the world that we're still united, we're still one, we're still a strong team and we've got a very good chance come the summer.

"To be captain of England is a very proud feeling. As a kid, every kid dreams of being England captain. I was no different. I don't really care what other countries think about the captaincy.

"You have to earn the right to be England captain. It'd disrespecting the captaincy [to get it as the oldest or most capped player]. It's massive over here, and rightly so."

Gerrard also revealed that Capello laid down the law to his players after they met up for tonight's friendly with Egypt.

Gerrard admitted there is a new responsibility on England's players ahead of the World Cup, and for him in particular as stand-in skipper.

Gerrard said: "We totally understand that. The manager has let us know that again. We know as players - we're mature individuals and understand our responsibilities. We are role models for kids. That's the way it is.

"He said it to us as soon as he saw us, in our first meeting on the training pitch. It was short and sweet and he told us to focus on the football.

"We've got a big game tonight and a massive tournament coming up. He reiterated that we have responsibilities as players, both on and off the pitch.

"We are in the spotlight. Sometimes it is difficult, but we've got to behave - on and off the pitch. Everyone knows that and is aware of that.

"The World Cup is very close and will be here before you know it, and we know the spotlight will be even more on us because of what has happened recently. But we have to accept that and deal with it."

Gerrard insists the England dressing room is harmonious, but stressed that you do not always have to like your team-mates to be successful, although it certainly helps.

Gerrard said: "I think it's important. We know there are a lot of opinions about this squad from the outside, but the most important thing on the inside is that we're all as one, successful and united.

"For us to be successful in the summer, we have to stick together. We know each other inside out now. We've had enough time under Fabio now to realise what the manager wants from us.

"The last couple of days, the team spirit and togetherness has not been affected. Everyone's been as one.

"I expect JT to be himself, a very good player and a majestic leader out there. Even if he hasn't got the armband, I expect him to be a captain in the dressing room and out on the pitch.

"We've had enough of the players being booed. It doesn't help the team with a World Cup so close. The fans have to go out there and give us massive support."

Gerrard also admitted that his wife, Alex, will not be going to the World Cup this summer unless England reach the semi-finals, as Capello moves away from the WAGs culture.

"My wife won't be there (this time). Not unless we get to the semis or the final," said Gerrard, before taking the mickey out of the questioner: "Is she allowed to come to the semis or the final? Is that OK with you?

"It's my decision. She's got two kids who'll be in school. It's a long way away. If we get to the semis, she deserves to come and see me. If that's alright with you."

Gerrard then upped and left after a final question about Craig Bellamy's remark "we all know what John Terry's like" after Manchester City beat Chelsea on Saturday. That is one area where Gerrard is determined not to go.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.