England captain Steven Gerrard: We will do whatever it takes to beat Germany - and are ready for penalties
Three Lions skipper prepared for battle...
26 Jun 2010 19:32:00
World Cup 2010,Steven Gerrard,England(Getty Images)
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England captain Steven Gerrard today issued a battle cry ahead of Sunday's showdown with bitter rivals Germany, declaring: "We are ready to do whatever it takes to get into the last eight of the World Cup."
The 30 year-old Liverpool midfielder said the mood in the England camp was one of confidence after a much improved display against Slovenia on Wednesday and warned Germany that it was only a "matter of time" before Wayne Rooney finds the back of the net at the tournament.
Speaking at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, Gerrard stated: "We are very confident going into the game, on the back of a good performance against Slovenia.
"The mood is really good. We have worked hard and prepared hard for this game and we'll do whatever it takes to get across the line and go into the last eight."
He added: "It's going be a very difficult game and ideally we want to win the game in 90 minutes. But if we need go into extra time and penalties - we'll be ready.
Gerrard backed striker Wayne Rooney, who has so far had a largely underwhelming World Cup, to come good against England's old foes on Sunday.
"It's only a matter of time before Wayne scores in this tournament and hopefully that's Sunday.
"I have every confidence in him that he's gonna be play well tomorrow and he is looking really sharp in training."
Gerrard said that he was unphased by the pressure surrounding the match due to his big game experience.
"I've been involved in massive games throughout my career so the experience in how to prepare for those games will hold me in good stead for this one.
"There is a lot of pressure and this is a tense situation because there is so much at stake but it's more excitement and looking forward to it. I can't wait to get out there and hopefully help us win the game."
Jermain Defoe and James Milner are both expected to retain their place in the England team after impressing against Slovenia. The only possible change could be Jamie Carragher, who has served a one match ban coming back into the side to replace Matthew Upson, with Ledley King also in contention.
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