Gerrard admits Lamps frustrations

Liverpool captain yet to 'click' with international team-mate

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 13th October 2008

Steven Gerrard England

Gerrard: Still to 'click' with Lampard

If the booing continues, it's not going to help Ashley or the team.

Steven Gerrard
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Steven Gerrard admits that he is still struggling to 'click' with Frank Lampard in the heart of the England midfield.

Much has been made of the failings of the Gerrard and Lampard combination at international level as the pair labour to replicate impressive club form for their country.

However, Chelsea star Lampard produced one of his best performances in an England shirt in the World Cup qualifying victory over Croatia in September, with Gerrard absent due to a groin injury.

Gerrard returned to England manager Fabio Capello's first XI alongside Lampard for Saturday's victory over Kazakhstan at Wembley, but the duo again failed to produce a dovetailed performance.

And amidst speculation that he could be dropped for Wednesday's trip to Belarus, Liverpool skipper Gerrard confesses he has yet to form a perfect link with Lampard.

"Me and Frank have gone on record saying we haven't clicked," Gerrard told Sky Sports News. "We admit that.

Improve

"We are working hard on the training ground to improve. But it is a small part of the team.

"We have a good manager and we believe we are going places and we will take each game as it comes and concentrate on that."

Gerrard also recognises that no single player is guaranteed a place in Capello's plans, if the Italian opts to shuffle his pack for the clash with Belarus.

"Whatever we decide is down to the manager," added Gerrard. "He will use different personnel and formations."

After three games, England enjoy a 100 per cent record in Group 6 and are closing in on their best start to a qualifying campaign, but Gerrard is keeping his feet on the ground.

"We're not getting carried away," he said. "There are a lot of hurdles. We have three wins out three, but it (Belarus) is a difficult task.

Tough test

"We realise it's a tough test, but we're ready. It's about us and how we play. We're confident we can make it four wins out of four."

Meanwhile, Gerrard has voiced his disappointment with England fans who booed Ashley Cole against Kazakhstan, but insists the Chelsea full-back is 'man' enough to maintain focus.

"If it continues, it's not going to help Ashley or the team," explained Gerrard. "He is disappointed and all the players are disappointed. But we're all men.

"You have to take it as a man. Ashley is a big character, he'll deal with it."

Cole has been sidelined for the meeting with Belarus with a hamstring strain and Gerrard believes his team-mate will be disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to prove his critics wrong.

"I'm sure he will be gutted he has had to go home," said Gerrard. "Any player would be who has missed England matches."