Gerrard: Let's win rest of games
Steven Gerrard believes England must aim to win all their remaining games in their qualifying group if they are to ensure a place at Euro 2008.
England gained a morale-boosting draw against Holland in the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday to restore pride after their dreadful showing in Croatia last month.
But the harsh reality is England are out of the top two in their group and heading into the New Year behind Croatia and Russia - with a testing clash with Israel in Tel Aviv awaiting them in March.
Gerrard is still confident England can make sure of a place in Austria and Switzerland in just over 18 months' time but insists they can afford no more slip-ups.
The Liverpool skipper said: "Looking at the bigger picture, we are confident we can qualify but I think it is important we try to win all the rest of our games in the group.
"The lads were really disappointed about the Croatia game and a big improvement is needed for the remaining group matches. I think draws and defeats are no good for us."
(TEAMtalk)

Woody wary of Gerrard threat
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate says Boro's biggest problem against Liverpool will be star midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Woodgate and his team-mates are well aware that, while the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch, Craig Bellamy and Robbie Fowler will be a real handful, the main threat could come from Gerrard.
Gerrard turned in a superb individual display at the Riverside Stadium last season in a goalless draw, and as the Reds look for a first away win of the season, Woodgate is expecting another big performance from the England player.
He said: "I know Craig Bellamy well and with the likes of Kuyt and Fowler, they have got some fantastic talent.
"But without doubt, the main man is Steven Gerrard and we have got to stop him."
(TEAMtalk)

Henry inspires Bellamy
Craig Bellamy believes Arsenal's Tierry Henry can inspire him to find a higher gear at Liverpool.
Bellamy admits he has been watching videos of the Arsenal striker in action and he believes he can draw inspiration from Henry as he looks to get more assists and goals for the Reds.
"I have usually had a high assists count during my career and I enjoy making that contribution to the team and the result of a game," said the Wales striker.
"If someone is in a better position you have to put them in and give them the chance. All the best players seem to do that. Look at Thierry Henry and how he plays.
"I shouldn't even be mentioning him because he is just a different level to most people. But his assists combined with his goalscoring, I think that is the way forward for me.
"All the best players, a lot better than me, always work for others."
(LFC Online) 
 
Sissoko surgery labelled a success
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed midfielder Momo Sissoko's shoulder operation was a success.
The 21-year-old sustained the injury, which could keep him sidelined for three months, during the Carling Cup win at Birmingham.
Benitez told the Liverpool Echo: "The doctors said it was very successful, but now we must wait. We know we will be without Momo for some time, but maybe we'll know more in a few days exactly how long it will be."
(TEAMtalk)

International Reds round-up
Seven Liverpool players were in action for their respective countries last night, with only one tasting defeat.

Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard took part in England's friendly against Holland, which ended 1-1.

Kuyt lasted 61 minutes, running tirelessly without getting a sniff at goal. Gerrard could, and perhaps should, have netted twice.

The Liverpool skipper found himself one-on-one with Henk Timmer in the first-half but the Dutch stopper saved with his legs. Gerrard was again denied after the break following a trademark burst through the box.

Peter Crouch and Jamie Carragher warmed the bench throughout.

Centre-back Daniel Agger played 90 minutes as the Danes drew 1-1 in a friendly against the Czech Republic, with former Red Milan Baros finding the net for the Czechs.

John Arne Riise played a full part in Norway's 1-1 draw in Serbia, while Xabi Alonso featured in the first half of Spain's defeat away to Romania.

Meanwhile, several Reds were involved in European Championship qualifiers.

Steve Finnan played a full 90 minutes as the Republic of Ireland recorded their first win of the campaign. Steve Staunton's side beat San Marino 5-0 thanks to a Robbie Keane hat-trick.

Finnish player of the year Sami Hyypia also lasted the distance in the Scandinavian side's 1-0 victory at home to Armenia. The result leaves Finland top of Group A.
(LFC Official Website)

Gerrard to be handed favoured central role
Steven Gerrard is likely to be thrust into a central midfield role for Liverpool as they look to end their dismal away form in the Premiership.
The Anfield captain played the full 90 minutes during England's 1-1 draw in international friendly with Holland in Amsterdam last night.
And afterwards he confirmed that manager Rafael Benitez is set to restore him to his preferred central position during Momo Sissoko's absence as Liverpool head to the Riverside Stadium to face Middlesbrough this weekend.
The debate over Gerrard's role in the side has been raging all season and after a fifth successive away defeat at Arsenal last Sunday, it appears the 26-year-old will be charged with leading from the middle as Liverpool go in search of a first league win on the road.
Gerrard said last night: "I spoke to Benitez and he said I will get a lot more time in the middle now with Sissoko's injury.
"We need to start picking up performances on the road for Liverpool, starting
on Saturday."
(Daily Post)

Thor Zakariassen ©