Mark Lawrenson: Build England team around Gerrard and axe Lampard

Oct 14 2008 by Mark Lawrenson, Liverpool Daily Post

STEVEN GERRARD has a huge influence on the outcome of matches when playing in the red of Liverpool.

But once he puts on the white of England he too often finds himself reduced to the kind of role where he can be nowhere near as effective.

Which is why manager Fabio Capello needs to put an end to the debate over whether Gerrard can play alongside Frank Lampard in the England midfield – and leave out the Chelsea player.

That is no disrespect to Lampard, who has been outstanding for his club this season and can lay claim to the title of the Premier League’s player of the season so far.

But it is Gerrard’s ability to change the course of a game and drive others forward that means Capello should be looking to build his side round the Liverpool captain’s strengths.

The fact is that good players though both undoubtedly are, they cannot work together because they both want to be in the same places on the field of play. You can’t have two salts – you need salt and pepper.

Both do not do the holding role well. They are players who are at their best when getting forward, passing the ball well and making breaks into the penalty area.

Had Joe Cole been fit at the weekend, it might be that Capello would have stuck with the side that did so well in Croatia and challenged Gerrard to get back into it after missing out last time through injury.

But having chosen him to play, England must make the most of his qualities.

There may be slight differences to their game, but both Gerrard and Lampard want to get into the box. However there were times during the 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan when the Liverpool player seemed hesitant over whether he could pile forward.

But it is Gerrard’s movement round the pitch that gives the edge over Lampard and makes him such a dangerous player. Especially when allied to his long-range shooting ability and a wider array of passes.