England captain has said that he felt an almost overwhelming relief after he managed to score England’s second goal during their must win match against Poland at Wembley.
It was a nervous night not only for the players, but also the millions of England fans that were watching the match on television.
Wayne Rooney put England in front late in the first half, but is was captain Steven Gerrard ended the nervousness with his goal two minutes from time that now sees England through to next summer’s final in Brazil.
“It was a relief for everyone,” Gerrard said. “At 1-0 it was very nervous, tense and edgy, you are always thinking that one mistake and you could be in trouble.
“I got a bit of a break with the goal, but when I saw it in the back of the net it was a tremendous feeling. It is a feeling difficult to put into words because I am on such a high.
“I have had some wonderful nights as Liverpool captain and I remember the night when Roy phoned me to tell me I was going to be the permanent captain. The feeling I got when that goal went in tonight, that feeling was maxed.”
Gerrard now says the players must now get back to reality and focus on their training ahead of next summer’s final.
“The opportunity is there. I have said all week there is a good confidence and belief in the group, but at the same time we are going to keep ourselves grounded and stay humble,” he said.
“It is important now that it does not flip and everyone thinks we are going to go and win the World Cup that we are favourites and everyone gets carried away.
“What is important is we have shown everyone we are a good team. We have not felt sorry for ourselves when we have had criticism, we have rolled ourselves up, tried to work hard and put it right.
“It is a great feeling to be in Brazil and hopefully we can go in with a little less pressure on ourselves and surprise a few.”
The England captain also pointed out that Rooney will have to play a leading role in Brazil for England to reach the latter stages of the competition.
“I have said all along that if we are going to be successful in this team, then Wayne Rooney is key.
“When you go into big competitions, you need strikers to get you important goals and that is why Wayne Rooney is so important for this country – if we are going to do well at the tournament it will be because Wayne Rooney is in good form.”
