Gerrard's Wembley wish
Tuesday, 11 September, 2007
Steven Gerrard calls on the England fans to turn Wembley into a fortress on Wednesday evening.
England v Russia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 12 September 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1
Steven Gerrard has called on the England fans to make Wembley into a fortress when Russia arrive for the crucial European Championship qualifying clash on Wednesday.
Steve McClaren's side produced a stirring performance to clinch their first victory at the new stadium as they crushed Israel 3-0 last Saturday.
And now the Three Lions midfielder has urged England's supporters to roar their side into the European Championship finals next summer.
"The fans were magnificent against Israel, they really rallied around us and we'll need more of that against Russia on Wednesday," said the Liverpool captain.
"It will be a tougher game against Russia. With all due respect to Israel, Russia are a little bit stronger, better organised and have more quality so it's important we're on our game to ensure the right result.
"But if our fans show us the support they showed last Saturday then I definitely fancy our chances.
"We've got to take it a game at a time but with the quality we have in our side, we definitely have a good chance of making it through to top the group and we're confident of doing that."
But Gerrard has warned his team-mates that they will have to raise their level of performance against Guus Hiddink's men - claiming England must not bask in the glory of their victory over Israel.
"It was a really good and positive performance from the team on Saturday and you want to enjoy that and take the confidence into the next game," he added.
"But the important thing is not to become complacent and underestimate Russia.
"Russia are a fantastic team and if we don't perform to the same level as we did against Israel, perhaps even higher, then we won't get the three points that we're after."