Source: Liverpool_Echo
Phil Thompson recalls World Cup heartache but hails Steven Gerrard’s captaincy
Phil Thompson presents Steven Gerrard with the Bill Shankly Memorial Award at the Echo Sports Personality of the year Awards 2005 (200)[LNB]PHIL THOMPSON had a World Cup dream thwarted but could not be happier Steven Gerrard will be realising his.[LNB]As the Liverpool talisman leads England out in Rustenburg this evening for their opening match against the USA, the memories of two conflicting events in Thompson's international career will come flooding back.[LNB]A proud servant on 42 occasions for his country, Anfield legend Thompson recalls the night he was handed the captain's armband for the first time, taking the national side into battle against Bulgaria.[LNB]But as he revelled in Gerrard's 'long overdue' ascent to England leader, Kop favourite Tommo recounts one of his darkest days when sporting the three lions on his chest.[LNB] Debuting as captain in a European Championship qualifier on November, 22 1979 with skipper Kevin Keegan absent, Kirkby born and bred Thompson would go on to lead England a further five times, though not in the one game he felt for sure he would be skipper once more.[LNB]As Ron Greenwood prepared his troops for Spain'82 and the Group Four challenge of France in Bilbao, captain Keegan was again ruled out; Thompson awaited the manager's call.[LNB]However instead of being told he would lead his country out in the World Cup, Thompson was dealt the biggest blow of his international career with Mick Mills given the nod ahead of him.[LNB]That Thompson was denied the crowning moment he so sorely craved, he is in the perfect position to send his congratulations to Gerrard and has backed the Whiston born Reds skipper to deliver.
