Gerrard wants time in new role

Midfielder also feels Rooney needs to adapt

Last updated: 27th March 2008

Steven Gerrard England

Gerrard: Wants time to adapt

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Steven Gerrard is confident his England partnership with Wayne Rooney can work, providing the two of them adapt to their roles.

During Wednesday's lacklustre 1-0 defeat in France, Gerrard was deployed as the support to Rooney, who was playing as a lone striker.

Gerrard has been operating in that role for Liverpool in recent weeks, but was unable to replicate the success of his tandem with Fernando Torres at club level.

But the Liverpool skipper is enjoying his new position on the pitch and feels he can 'make it happen' on the international arena.

Pleasure

"I've been playing that role for Liverpool," said Gerrard. "I've been enjoying it. To play with players like Torres and Rooney is always a pleasure, and I'm involved and I can get forward.

"I don't know if it's my best position. I'm a central midfielder; I've played there all my life, but I do feel as if I can cause problems in there and I can adapt to the role - but I'll need more time.

"I am still learning that position. I think I've played it 10 to 15 times, but I am confident I can make it happen in there."

However, Gerrard also feels that Manchester United forward Rooney will have to tweak his approach for England in order for the partnership to work.

He added: "I think Wayne slightly has to adapt his game as well - because, for me to get space in there and for it to work, he has to play a lot higher and stretch the defence.

Needs time

"I think that is why I and Torres are having a lot of joy, because he is so direct and plays high up.

"With two holding midfielders behind us, the team are a lot more secure when they lose the ball. Wayne will have to adapt his game - but if anyone can do it, it is him.

"I've seen him do it with Manchester United. He destroyed us at the weekend with his direct running and making it difficult for defenders. I am sure both of us can make it work.

"It is going to take time. We've had two games together, four or five training sessions - and it is a brand new setup, not just the manager but the whole coaching side.

"It will take time for us to adapt to each other, but I think there were signs of improvement there against France."