Club and country

Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard is keen to take his success in Europe with his club in recent seasons onto the international stage and believes that the Three Lions still have a chance of making it to Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Having captained Liverpool to a European Cup triumph three years ago, and reached the final again last season, Gerrard is determined to win something for his country.

"Winning the Champions League was an incredible feeling, and I'd love to be part of something similar with England," Gerrard explained.

"It was a special moment, and doing it for England would be just as special. Everyone in this squad wants to be successful and we're determined to do everything we can to reach the finals next summer even though it's out of our hands now."

Gerrard also admitted that watching the matches on Saturday, hoping that they go our way, is an experience he will not relish, but that club colleague Yossi Benayoun has assured him of Israel's determination.

Gerrard said: "I've watched a few nerve-wracking games involving Liverpool when I've been injured or suspended and I've watched a few in the World Cup as well.

"When you can't do anything about it, it's not good viewing. I'm sure when the Russians go near the Israel goal I'll be chomping on my nails and I'll have none left at the end of the game.

"But we're in this situation and we have to get on with it. I'm trying to keep all my focus on Friday's game in Austria at the moment."