by S4P Sun Oct 08, 2006 12:15 pm
Gerrard critical of ref
England midfielder Steven Gerrard has revealed his frustration at Markus Merk after speaking to the referee about the booking he picked up against Macedonia.
The yellow card in the 0-0 draw means Gerrard will miss Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Croatia and leaves England with a selection dilemma.
"I was really disappointed with the referee's decision," said Gerrard, 26.
"I told him I got the ball and he agreed with me but said the momentum took me into the player."
Liverpool star Gerrard added: "England against Croatia is a great fixture.
"As a player, you want to be involved in all the big games, so I'm going home really frustrated, not just with not getting three points but also with missing the Croatia game.
"I will be cheering the boys on from home. Hopefully, they will turn in a good performance and get the result."
I would not be surprised if he goes to Croatia and wins the game on his own for the country
Steven Gerrard on Wayne Rooney
Gerrard came closest to scoring for England but saw his 20-yard piledriver come thumping back off the crossbar.
"I need a change of luck," he said.
"I have already hit the woodwork four or five times this season.
"I hit the shot well but maybe I hit it a little too well. Sometimes, you mis-hit them and they go in."
England were criticised for a lacklustre display against Macedonia and manager Steve McClaren admitted his team lacked drive.
Wayne Rooney was substituted after 74 minutes as his struggles to find his goalscoring touch were clearly apparent.
However, Gerrard backed the Manchester United striker to come good in the tie against Croatia.
"Wayne can handle all the pressure and he will come through this no problem," said Gerrard.
Rooney is frustrated after coming off after an ineffective display
"He was our best player in training all week and he is the best player in the country bar none.
"I would not be surprised if he goes to Croatia and wins the game on his own for the country. That's how good Wayne is."
Liverpool forward Peter Crouch also came out in support of Rooney and predicted that their England partnership would soon prosper.
"I thought myself and Wayne worked well," he said. "I like playing with Wayne.
"He is a top player. It is the first time in a game we have started together so I would definitely say there is more to come from us.
"Was Wayne frustrated? He worked hard - as we all did - but you will have to ask Wayne whether he was frustrated.
"We are just pleased to have him back and, come the next game, he will be firing again. You can't write him off at any stage and he will come good again.
"It could take one goal to spark him. I don't think there will be a problem. He gives us so much, dropping deep and linking up play, so when he is not scoring he still adds a lot to the game."
Home
: Good team you picked concidering the the problems we have are outside the defence.
