Gerrard leaves England game injured

[Arn]

Yep, you've lost the plot totally

I actually saw that mistake but you already had quoted it

[Craig_H]

Wishful thinking eh mate? I think we ALL wish you were correct in what you said

[Galb]

I have no doub that Gerrard can take over that role, as he gets older.

I really hope so but I have serious doubts about this. He just doesnt have the game intelligence to play this role.

When he first broke through, I think that was what we all expected him to be - the dominant midfield player of his generation, capable of controlling the tempo and direction of games in a way that people like Souness, Vieira and Keane (*shudder*) did in the past.

But he's never been able to do it. He tries to do too much, or gets dragged out of position, or plays the overly ambitious pass. Sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesnt. But you need a more level head in the DM position (as Hamann or Alonso showed).

Its no coincidence his best seasons have been when he's been put wide or behind the front man with licence to roam. He's superb at many, many things (the description of him I read recently as having 'world-class reactions' was spot on IMO) but I just dont ever see him now suddenly developing the ability to dictate a game from deep. Unfortunately, when his legs go, I think he will as well. I dont see him being a force once he hits 32, 33 or so.

[Craig_H]

I honestly have no idea how you consider Gerrard to lack game intelligence. He's an extremely intelligent footballer. If it's anything he lacks for that role, perhaps positional discipline might be the thing.

[Ben_Itez]

Don't know if this has been mentioned already but i noticed Ferdinand and Barry were both fit for their games this weekend, must have been terrible injuries that forced them off at half time.

Joe Hart has miraculously recovered too.