Source: Liverpool_Echo
Victory over Egypt has given our World Cup hopes a boost, says England skipper Steven Gerrard
STEVEN GERRARD believes England's World Cup hopes have received a shot in the arm after he led Fabio Capello's men to a 3-1 win over Egypt.[LNB]The Liverpool midfielder captained England in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and again left the impression that he is approaching his optimum form.[LNB]He headed back to Melwood today to prepare for Monday's trip to Wigan in high spirits but, inevitably, Gerrard had thoughts of the World Cup finals on his mind.[LNB]Though England were poor for the first 45 minutes, their second half display - when all three goals were scored - augurs well and Gerrard feels England made a statement.[LNB]'Hopefully we will have Algeria a little bit concerned now,' said Gerrard.[LNB]'If they had seen Egypt beat us, it would have given them massive confidence.[LNB]'We are hoping now that it will have the reverse effect. There has been a lot written about this team in the last few weeks and we had to react.[LNB]'We had the perfect platform to show everyone we are still a good team, that the confidence and togetherness is still there and I thought we showed amazing character.'[LNB]Gerrard is no stranger to wearing the captain's armband - he was skipper in Capello's first game against Switzerland in February 2008 - but revealed today that this latest experience is one he will savour.[LNB]He played a key role in the build-up to Peter Crouch's first goal and became more and more influential in the second half before he was given a standing ovation when substituted on 72 minutes.
