5 September 2005
Press Conference: Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard talks to the press ahead of England's two Group Six World Cup Qualifiers at home ot Austria and Poland.


Click here to read the full transcription from Steven's press briefing

Steven Gerrard has spoken of a burning desire to improve his performances for England in a remarkably frank interview ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Austria.

Three Lions midfielder Gerrard is regarded as one of England's most senior and important players. But the Liverpool man stunned reporters with a candid and open press conference at Old Trafford.

He revealed that he isn't happy with his international form so far and is fired by an ambition to do better in the white of England.

That kind of commitment can only be good for Sven's men when they run out against Austria tomorrow, determined to reach the World Cup Finals. And after losing to Northern Ireland in Belfast in their last match, Gerrard isn't in a mood to fail again.

He said: "The team owe the nation a performance, big time. I think the most important thing over the next two games is points but it would be nice to entertain as well and pay the fans back for that embarrassing performance in Belfast.

"And the most important thing for me is to try and take my club form onto the international stage.

"I think my performances of late have been very average. I need to raise my game internationally and try and help lift the team to get six more points."

Gerrard has performed consistently for England over the last few years but sets his standards so high that he isn't happy to settle for that. And when asked to name the last time he came off the pitch for England feeling he had played really well, his answer was enlightening.

"I don't know the exact date but it was quite a while ago," he said. "I wouldn't say I worry a lot about my performances with England, but I'm definitely thinking about it.

"It is a little bit of a concern. I wouldn't say I was overly worried because I'm confident that I can hit club form at this level. But I still think I've got things to prove at this level and if we get to the World Cup hopefully I can show that."

Gerrard admits he feared for his place following a defeat in Belfast recently in which very few players were happy with their performances.

He said: "I think every player that played against Ireland would be worried about whether they were going to be picked for the next two games.

"I don't think many players performed in those games and I'm no different. It was a worrying time in that dressing room after the game."

But the result has left the Three Lions in determined mood, and adamant that they will improve all aspects of their game. And that includes the partnership between Gerrard and Lampard which is key to England's midfield.

Gerrard said: "I think the partnership can definitely improve. I don't think we've set the world alight. But we will be able to adapt and make it work.

"I've spoken to Frank about this a lot and we will do. We'll work on the partnership and we're confident we can make it work."

Click here to read the full transcription from Steven's press briefing