Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has admitted that he considered quitting international football following England’s poor display at this year’s World Cup.
England played four lousy games, going out to a 4-1 thumping at the hands fo Germany in the second round in South Africa – with Gerrard captaining in Rio Ferdinand’s absence.
And ahead of tonight’s (completely meaningless, stupidly timed and pointless) international friendly against Hungary at Wembley – in which England are expected to be booed by their own fans because England fans are stupid – Gerrard revealed he could have walked.
He told Sky Sports News, “Since we were knocked out of the World Cup, it has been really difficult being an England player.
“So retirement does cross your mind at times.
“But very quickly you switch back to thinking of staying and hanging in and, hopefully, turning things round and having a successful tournament.”
Gerrard added that there may be far too much expectation placed on the England player’s shoulders, which is affecting performance.
He said, “Maybe lowering expectations would help. But will that happen? I don’t think so.
“We have massive support. We have got 60,000 coming (against Hungary), which is going to be the biggest crowd of the night.
“Are the media going to lower their expectations?
“But this should be the way it is with England. We’ve got good players. We have to deal with it better.”
Well we’re quite open to you quitting international football, Stevie.
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