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Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard believes that Manchester City's Adam Johnson should be in Fabio Capello's final 23-man England squad for next month's World Cup finals.
Capello's provisional 30-man party are currently undergoing training at altitude in an Austrian training camp, and Gerrard feels that Johnson, who staked a late claim for inclusion with some stirring displays for City after a January move from Middlesbrough, has done enough to have booked his place on the plane.
"Adam has looked fantastic in training. He is a typical left-winger, he gets good crosses into the box, and is exciting on the ball," Gerrard told reporters.
"We will have to wait and see what players Fabio goes with in the final 23.
"But I am sure Adam has got a fantastic chance of going to the World Cup because he is a very talented player."
Gerrard, meanwhile, also expressed sympathy for Chelsea star Michael Ballack, who won't be at this summer's showpiece tournament.
The German damaged an ankle in his club's FA Cup final win over Portsmouth and his plight reminds Gerrard of his own injury misfortunes.
"I do feel sorry for Michael Ballack. I know exactly how he is feeling," Gerrard added.
"Back in 2002, I experienced an injury and wasn't able to take part (in the World Cup).
"One of the worst things that can happen to you as a footballer is missing a World Cup.
"We know the Germans are very strong, have good players, and I am sure they can cope without him - but he is a fantastic player and will be missed." |
