Gerrard disappointed with red
Wednesday, 12 September, 2012
England skipper upset at sending off against Ukraine but backs Three Lions without him
by Chris Hatherall
England captain Steven Gerrard is backing his team-mates to beat San Marino without him after he was sent off against Ukraine, meaning he will miss the next match at Wembley.
England face San Marino on Friday 12 October - but with four points from their two opening World Cup qualifiers already in the bag Gerrard, who received two yellow cards on Tuesday and faces a one-match ban, remains confident the Three Lions are on course to reach Brazil in 2014.
After England drew 1-1 with Ukraine Gerrard said: "It's disappointing for me - it is my first red card in 98 caps.
"But we play San Marino next. I'm sure the boys can do the job without me and then I'll be available for Poland. I'm gutted over the red but happy with my performance.
"We wanted to win this game tonight. We're at home with our crowd behind us, so we're disappointed not to get the three points.
"But having gone a goal down, I think we showed fantastic character and determination.
"We kept probing for the openings and, when the subs came on, I thought we created more chances. I thought we thoroughly deserved the point, if not a bit more on chances."
Gerrard, however, was also impressed with the performance of Ukraine, a team that England narrowly beat during the Euro 2012 Finals.
He added: "I don't think there's much in these two teams.
"I think you've got to give them credit. They're a fantastic team and I think it's going to be between us two who tops this group. That's my prediction.
"I thought in general play, we controlled it. We looked the side who wanted to create all the openings and I think we'll probably have a better chance of beating them away because they'll have to come out and take more risks.
"But, credit to them, they've come to Wembley and they've take two points off us."