Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from international football with immediate effect. The England captain has been one of the finest players for the national team over the last decade. He is just one short of the record held by David Beckham for the most number of appearances made by an outfield player. Gerrard, though, has announced his retirement meaning that he will be unable to break Beckham’s impressive record of 115 caps for the national team. It was widely speculated that the 34-year-old would retire after World Cup 2014.
However, a poor World Cup meant that England suffered an exit from the group stages. It would have been possible for Gerrard to extend his career in order to go out on a high since England manager Roy Hodgson was especially keen on this aspect. He had made Gerrard the captain for the World Cup with former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard assisting him. Despite lowering the age of the squad considerably, Hodgson has been sticking with experienced players like Gerrard and Lampard.
After the early exit from the World Cup, questions have been asking about Hodgson, but Gerrard reckons that the former Liverpool manager is the ideal man to lead the national team going into the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
“I’m sure Roy will get the job right. I know things will turn around for the better. I know the players are upset and everyone has an opinion on England at the moment – it’s very negative. But I’m sure Roy will help making the England supporters proud again and change the way people are looking at this England team. He’s a fantastic manager and I’m glad the FA have stuck with him. He’s the man who fulfilled my childhood dream, made me England captain,” said Gerrard.