From CHARLIE WYETT
STEVEN GERRARD insists he would not turn his back on England like Rio Ferdinand.
The England skipper, who has not missed a minute for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, said: “I don’t know the details from Rio’s side.
“But I want to help take this team to the World Cup in Brazil.”
Gerrard, 32, will lead out England tonight against tiny San Marino while Ferdinand — who controversially withdrew from the squad — will be commentating on the game in a TV studio in Qatar.
Gerrard said: “Playing for England is the pinnacle of everyone’s career. If I’m not playing tomorrow I’ll be very disappointed, which shows what it means to me.
“At my age, there’s no better stage for a footballer. Especially after beating Brazil, on our day, with a full-strength squad, we can beat the best.
“I’m not tired — I’m fine. My body’s good, I’m good. I have my personal programme that I stick to.”
