Gerrard adamant over focus
Gerrard insists both Cole and Hargreaves are focussed on England
Also In The News
|
Roy Keane has today been confirmed as the new manager of Sunderland and has revealed he has a list of players he wants to bring in. |  |
Wednesday, 30, Aug 2006 09:54
England midfielder Steven Gerrard has insisted that both Ashley Cole and Owen Hargreaves are remaining focussed despite transfer talk surrounding them.
The England duo have both been heavily linked with moves away from their respective clubs in the transfer window and could yet still seal a move while on international duty.
However, while both Cole and Hargreaves now look certain to remain with Arsenal and Bayern Munich respectively, Gerrard insists the transfer talk hasn't affected their focus on England.
"From what I've seen of how Owen and Ashley are handling it, they seem to be fine," Gerrard said.
"They seem to be happy, they have got smiles on their faces and it doesn't seem to be affecting them at all."
Both players are likely to start for manager Steve McClaren's first competitive game in charge, although defender Rio Ferdinand still remains a doubt for the match with a bruised toe.
If United man Ferdinand does miss the match, club teammate Wes Brown is expected to get the nod alongside captain John Terry.
One former Manchester United player who has just returned to the squad after a year-long absence is Phil Neville and he has backed former skipper David Beckham to regain his place in the England set-up.
"I never thought my England career was over but sometimes when you don't get selected for things, particularly at international level, you think 'maybe the manager was right'," Neville said.
"That is the case with me and I'm sure that's the case with David Beckham."
England face a double-header at Old Trafford, with Andorra on Saturday being followed by Macedonia next Wednesday in the first two Euro 2008 qualifiers.