Gerrard given Becks' role
Gerrard replaces Beckham on England right flank
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Tuesday, 15, Aug 2006 04:49
Steven Gerrard will occupy the right side of England's midfield, recently vacated by former skipper David Beckham, in tomorrow night's friendly against Greece at Old Trafford.
Coach Steve McClaren opted for the Liverpool captain over young wingers Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips, while keeping faith with Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard in the middle.
"Steve will be used on the right. He played there for Liverpool last season and scored 23 goals," McClaren explained. "He is happy to play anywhere. What I want is to look at a few different things over the match."
Dean Ashton's broken ankle, sustained during this morning's training session, means he is unavailable to make his first full start for England allowing Jermain Defoe to start alongside Peter Crouch. Stewart Downing also gains a starting berth in the absence of the injured Joe Cole on the left.
"Its an evolution, we're trying new things," McClaren added. "It's a friendly, we're looking to try different things. The shape of the team is one thing, but we're looking to create the right attitude and keep the ball much better than we have in the past."
New skipper John Terry will lead the team out for the first time in Manchester and he admits he is excited at the prospect.
"I am very encouraged by this starting line-up. We have some young and exciting players and hopefully going forward we will put on a good performance," the Chelsea defender explained.
"We are all still disappointed following the World Cup and this game gives us the chance to put on a good show for the supporters and we are going out to win."
Terry added: "This is the first game for the new manager and he is really looking forward to it, as are the players. On the pitch I hope to show my leadership qualities and you can expect very much the same as when I skipper Chelsea."
England team to start against Greece:
Paul Robinson, Gary Neville, John Terry (captain), Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole; Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Frank Lampard, Stewart Downing; Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe.