25 March 2005    
Steven Gerrard Interview: Part 2
24 March 2005    
Steven Gerrard Interview: Part 1

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Speaking to TheFA.com ahead of the crunch showdown with Northern Ireland, Gerrard revealed that he is desperate to get over his ‘nightmare’ experience of missing out on the 2002 World Cup and ‘show the world that he can dominate at this level’.

"I think that if we can get there, you’ll see a different Steven Gerrard at the World Cup," he says.

"That will be the perfect stage for me to show people worldwide that I can dominate at this level. I just feel as if I can still offer a bit more at international level and Germany would be the perfect place to prove it."

"The World Cup is different. It’s just there on a pedestal on its own. I’ve played in massive games in the Champions League, I’ve played for England in the Euros but the World Cup only comes around once every four years and it’s a dream to play in one."

"The last World Cup was a nightmare situation for me," adds Gerrard 

"I had no choice really other than to decide to have surgery on my back. I knew that if I had decided to go to the World Cup you wouldn’t have seen the best of me. I know what it’s like to miss out on one so hopefully now I can play a big part in this one."

And Gerrard also believes that past experiences - quarter final defeats to Portugal and Brazil in the last two Championships - will give them an edge to help England can go all the way.

"Our players have been together for a while now and I’m sure we’ll learn from our mistakes," predicts the 24-year-old. 

"We know what we’ve done wrong in the past and hopefully that will work to our advantage if we can qualify for the finals."

"We’ve got enough talent to win it - it’s just about going out there and proving it."

And the Liverpool midfielder, who has scored five goals in his 32 England appearances, loves the opportunity to pull on the Three Lions jersey.

"It’s a great feeling being with England. Anytime you get the chance to be in the squad or play for England you look forward to meeting up and mixing with not only the top players in your league but also now some of the top players around Europe."

"It’s a great experience - I love playing for England.

"My game is slightly different with England than it is for Liverpool, he adds. 

"At club level I play with either Xabi Alonso or Dietmar Hamman who both naturally play the anchor role which gives me the freedom to bomb on. With England, playing with people like Frank and David I am a little bit more composed and aware of my defensive responsibilities.

"It doesn’t mean that I’m restricted all the time and can’t get forward though. Frank and David are clever enough that, if they see me go, they’ll naturally just sit in and look after the defensive side of things.

"I think we’ve got the right gel and mix in there."