Forget the notion that Wayne Rooney would be the man to lead England’s charge in South Africa because Steven Gerrard is currently the main protagonist.
England skipper Gerrard led by example in the group games as the Three Lions edged out Slovenia to qualify for the world cup round of 16 betting odds. After picking up the captaincy due to Rio Fedinand’s unfortunate injury the Liverpool man has not ducked the responsibility but grasped it with both hands.
Gerrard was terrific in the 1-1 draw against the USA and scored a fine goal via a trademark charge into the penalty area and while he and the rest of the side looked off-colour against Algeria the midfielder was back to his best against Slovenia.
The 30-year-old, who could feasibly be playing in his last World Cup finals, was England’s driving force on the left of midfield. The Liverpool man showed more discipline than he did against Algeria to hold his position on Wednesday and his short and long-range passing was first class.
Gerrard also managed to link up effectively with Defoe and Rooney, who showed signs of returning to form. Like Gerrard, Rooney could have notched against Slovenia, but at least the Manchester United forward looked more like his usual self.
He had been badly out of form ahead of the Group C date with Slovenia, but his touch looked good and his understanding with Gerrard and Frank Lampard looked to have returned.
Those who are looking to bet on quarter final 2010 world cup matches should England get there will be hoping that these elements keep improving as the tournament progresses.
While Gerrard is man-of-the-moment for England at the moment, the Three Lions could do with Rooney hitting similar heights if they are to reach their goal and the World Cup final on July 11
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