Steven Gerrard: England will learn from World Cup failure

By Mike Dyce | Jun 23, 2014

The England national team didn’t have the experience they intended to in the 2014 World Cup, losing their first two games to Italy and Uruguay. It has scrutiny and criticism raining down on the English team, and they won’t get another opportunity to redeem themselves until the Euro 2016 tournament.

More from World Cup

Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard suggested that England’s failures in Brazil can serve as an opportunity to learn and improve going forward.

“The World Cup is a level where you don’t forget your experiences in two weeks, four weeks, a couple of months – they live with you for a long time,” said Gerrard, via Sky Sports.

“But you have to accept that and try and move forward so that if you’re picked for another tournament, your experiences are better.

“I do think the youngsters here have that character. I’ve said how talented they are. They do the right things in and around training, and they want to stay at this level for a long time.

“It will be better in two years because of the standard of players we have here.”

Gerrard won’t start in the final game for England in the 2014 World Cup, that means that Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will wear the captain’s armband in their final game. There was also some speculation that Gerrard could be announcing his retirement this week, but he shot down that idea.

“There is no truth that I’ll be making any announcements within a week,” Gerrard said.

“I think I need more time than that. I’ve spoken to the manager this morning and have asked him for some to consider my future, but I certainly won’t be rushing into any decision.

“I don’t feel like it’s right to make a decision now or in a week’s time.

“I’m still hurting very bad and broken over what’s gone on over the last couple of weeks, so I need to get away, get on holiday and basically clear my head before I make that big decision.”