Having just called time on his England career, Steven Gerrard will now be fully focussed on helping Liverpool achieve something they went so close to doing last season: winning their first Premier League title. The responsibility of captaining the Three Lions will now go to someone else, as the Reds midfielder steps aside after representing his country an incredible 114 times.
In one way, Gerrard has had a huge weight lifted off his shoulders, with the role of captaining England requiring a lot of physical and mental strength. And, if the midfielder was able to have such a massive influence on Liverpool’s title challenge whilst so heavily involved with his national side last season, having nothing to distract him from his club should mean he will be able to be even more effective at Anfield next campaign.
According to the Daily Mail, Brendan Rodgers has suggested that a new long-term contract will be offered to his captain. At 34 years of age it important that Gerrard is managed carefully, and the Reds boss believes he will be much fresher without international football.
Looking set to add to the 669 competitive appearances he has made for his hometown club, a deeper midfield position could mean that goals may not be as big a part of Gerrard’s game as they have been in years gone by. Fortunately for the Liverpool legend, though, the 173 he has already scored leaves him on an impressive enough tally to add to, and it would not be surprising at all to see him eventually reach the 200 mark.