Source: Daily_Mail
WAG-free World Cup: Gerrard rules out trouble 'n strife in South Africa
Steven Gerrard could hardly have chosen a better way to impress Fabio Capello than by ruling his wife out of contention for the World Cup finals at least until the semi-finals stage.[LNB]Considering Capello's dislike of the sort of WAG circus which descendedon the Black Forest town of Baden-Baden during England's World Cupcampaign four years ago, it was a masterstroke from the stand-incaptain.[LNB]Leading by example: Stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard and his wife, Alex[LNB]'I don't know if having the WAGs there affected our performance last time,' said Gerrard ahead of tonight's friendly against Egypt. 'I can't tell you that, but my wife won't be there this time, not unless we get to the semis or the final. She's got two kids who'll be in school and it's a long way away. If we get to the semis, she deserves to come and see me.' [LNB]After the scandals which have hit his squad since they last played, Capello's message is clear: focus on football. [LNB]Last week, the Italian issued a public warning that he would not tolerate more reports of bad behaviour by his players off the pitch and, just to make sure they understood, he told them again on Monday. Gerrard said the manager's address was short as he outlined the players' responsibilities. [LNB]Terry was stripped of the captaincy and Rio Ferdinand will succeed him if he can overcome a back injury. So tonight Gerrard will lead out a team who must prove they have not been split by Terry's affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend. [LNB]'To be successful we have to stick together,' said Gerrard. 'This is a fantastic opportunity to show the fans and everyone around the world that we're still united, that we're still one, still a strong team and that we have a very good chance come the summer. [LNB]'There are lots of opinions about this squad from the outside, but the most important thing is that we're as one. The spirit of togetherness has been fantastic over the last couple of days. It's not just the captain. The spotlight is on every single player, even more so the closer you get to the World Cup. The manager has taken the decision to take the captaincy off John and you have to respect his decision. [LNB]'It's a tough job being England manager. You've got to make big decisions. He's done that and we all follow. We understand what he wants from us. We listen and take note.' [LNB] Leading the way: Gerrard (left) trains with his England team-mates Jermain Defoe, John Terry, Wayne Rooney and Carlton Cole[LNB]With 75,000 expected at Wembley, the captain's message extends to thefans. 'We've had enough of players being booed,' said Gerrard. 'Itdoesn't help this close to a World Cup.'[LNB]Under the spotlight of his new role, Gerrard fielded questions with a furrowed brow, as if the weight of the world were upon him. That's just his way, but the 29-year-old has had his share of problems. [LNB]Having been found not guilty of affray last year, he has struggled with his fitness, missing large chunks of this season through injury, but he insists he is close to his best again. 'I've found a bit of form and confidence over the last six or seven games,' he added. [LNB]He relishes the prospect of leading out his country and reacted instinctively when it was suggested Capello might as well hand the armband to the player with the most caps, as they do in Italy. [LNB]VIDEO: Gerrard on England...'Every kid dreams of being England captain and I was no different,'said Gerrard, coincidentally also the most capped player on thisoccasion. 'It's massive over here, and rightly so. I don't really carewhat other countries think about it. You have to earn the right to beEngland captain.'[LNB]Terry was a captain in the lionheart mode, but that is not Gerrard's style. He is more like David Beckham, capable of inspiring through his own brilliant efforts on the pitch but rarely one for a rousing Churchillian speech. [LNB]'JT is very vocal and is a big leader,' said Gerrard. 'I'm a bit different and try to do my talking on the pitch and lead by example. But I still 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 on the pitch. [LNB]'In an ideal situation, we'll have Rio back fit and ready when we join up again in May. But I'm looking forward to leading the boys out. To be captain of England is a very proud feeling.'[LNB] Watch out England, we've got fans in high places, says USA coach Bob Bradley'World's best' Wayne Rooney can fire England to glory in South Africa, lauds Steven GerrardI'm ready for Roo-mania! Wayne refuses to feel strain as he gears up for hypeJeff Powell: My top 100 players who made the World Cup finals great [LNB] [LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Rio Ferdinand, Carlton Cole, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Fabio Capello, Jermain Defoe, David Beckham, Wayne Bridge, John TerryPlaces:Italy, South Africa, United Kingdom, Egypt
