Source: Eurosport
Gerrard Eager To Make England Impact
England midfielder Steven Gerrard has vowed to take his Liverpool form into this weekend's Slovakia clash and the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.[LNB]The 28-year-old has scored six goals in his last three matches to put his club back in the Barclays Premier League title race and in the last eight of the Champions League - and two wins at Wembley would cap off a perfect fortnight.[LNB]"That's the idea," he said. "I've had a fantastic two weeks at club level but I have to put that to one side for now.[LNB]"If we get two wins in the next two games I will be going back home with a smile.[LNB]"I've reached a certain level and now I want to take that into the next two England games."[LNB]Winning at Old Trafford and then thrashing Aston Villa on Sunday courtesy of his hat-trick has swung the momentum of the title race towards Anfield, with Gerrard hoping that the international break does not halt their run of form.[LNB]"The hat-trick doesn't really count because there were two penalties but I just want to keep the momentum going," he said.[LNB]"We've got on the shoulder of Manchester United, Chelsea lost as well. So we are having a fantastic period.[LNB]"I'm very happy with the way I've been playing but I need to thank my Liverpool team-mates because my form has been down to them."[LNB]Gerrard admits he was under pressure before the last qualifier, against Belarus, as there were calls for Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry to be played in central midfield.[LNB]England boss Fabio Capello kept Gerrard in the team and he grabbed the opener in Minsk. Now he is determined to make a mark on his England return after missing the friendlies against Germany and Spain through injury.[LNB]"I'm on a high," he said. "Things are going really well for the club.[LNB]"The last performance for England I was under pressure to perform and I was happy with my performance. I thought I delivered that.[LNB]"I've missed a few (games) but I've found my form really quickly after my hamstring injury and I'm full of confidence."[LNB]Gerrard insists the focus is now fully on England and the title race will be on the backburner.[LNB]"We're with England now, the club games have to wait and we're focused on a friendly win on Saturday and three important points on Wednesday to stay top of the group," he said.[LNB]"There have been plenty of times I've joined up with England on the back of defeats and it's not nice for the first few days - once they are out the way it's everyone pulling together getting the right results for the country.[LNB]"It's been a hectic few weeks, even though the results have been good and they've been exciting times. Hopefully that momentum will continue when we get back.[LNB]"There are big games coming up for Liverpool but we're focused on getting important results for the country first."[LNB]Ukraine is the important match of the two - with England looking to maintain their 100% record in qualifying - but Gerrard expects a test against Slovakia, who boast one of his Liverpool club-mates in their ranks.[LNB]He said: "It will be a test and it will be good preparation for us. Martin Skrtel is my team-mate and he is getting better all the time, I'm sure he will be a world-class player in the future.[LNB]"There has been a bit of banter with Martin, but he's quiet despite being vocal and very tough on the pitch.[LNB]"If his team-mates are as good as him we are in for a really tough game.[LNB]"They are coming to Wembley so they will be up for it and we'll show them respect."[LNB]David Beckham could set a new caps record for an outfield player if he features on Saturday - and Gerrard hopes he too will have a long-lasting international career.[LNB]"It's a phenomenal record and I'd love to see him break the record," Gerrard said.[LNB]"Hopefully I can stay in the set-up for a long time. I'm happy with my 70, I've missed a few through injury and hopefully I can get a few more in the future."[LNB]
