Source: Team_Talk
Gerrard gutted to give armband back
Steven Gerrard admits he is disappointed not to be leading England out at Wembley, saying being captain "has been a terrific experience".[LNB] Gerrard will be back amongst Fabio Capello's foot soldiers for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro after Rio Ferdinand was handed the captain's armband yesterday.[LNB]There are plenty of people who feel Capello has made a mistake given the mature manner with which Gerrard handled the responsibility, both during the World Cup and particularly the three games since.[LNB]The Liverpool skipper is eager not to rock any boats and insisted he knew he only had the job on a temporary basis until Ferdinand returned from his knee injury.[LNB]But he accepts he will miss walking out at the head of affairs tonight.[LNB]"I am disappointed I am not going to be leading the boys out," Gerrard told ITV 1. "It has been a terrific experience. I have loved every minute.[LNB]"But I totally understood the situation from day one the reason why I became stand-in captain. Now Rio is back fit he gets the job."[LNB]However, Gerrard does acknowledge he is producing his most consistent performances for his country.[LNB]One of only a couple of England players to excel in South Africa, Gerrard arguably kept Capello in a job with his two goals to turn August's friendly with Hungary on its head.[LNB]Gerrard then handled the fall-out from Wayne Rooney's personal problems with commendable grace, whilst at the same time, guiding England to impressive victories over Bulgaria and Switzerland in their opening two Group G games.[LNB]"Maybe it has been my best spell," admitted the 30-year-old. "The boost you get when the manager says you are leading the team out and you are wearing the armband is massive.[LNB]"It certainly helps, although I would like to think my performances have improved anyway.[LNB]"I am really happy with how I played since the manager came in."
