Steven Gerrard's retirement from international football will leave a huge hole in England’s midfield. I don’t see any midfielder currently in or around the squad who can replicate what he does and deliver the range of passing he has from deep positions. Roy Hodgson must have been bitterly disappointed that he couldn’t persuade him to stay on for another two years. Undoubtedly his decision to quit the international game will benefit Liverpool enormously and damage England’s hopes, especially as they play their toughest opponents in Euro 2016 qualifying, Switzerland, a week tomorrow. With Frank Lampard retiring, too, and the manager having to cope with injuries, there is an obvious lack of experience in the midfield. But now the captain has gone, it will be up to the new guard to assume the mantle. We do not have a player who can sit deep as Steven has done latterly in his career and deliver those 40- or 50-yard passes.
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I don't see any midfielder who can replace Steven Gerrard
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There will be a lack of experience in the England midfield
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Frank Lampard has also hung up his international boots
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But Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can add real quality to the England side
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Wayne Rooney could be even better after being named England captain
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Daniel Sturridge will likely play the Luis Suarez role at Liverpool
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Mario Balotelli will not be running down the ball
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I expect Man City to finish behind Bayern Munich in Champions League
Raring to go: Mario Balotelli (centre) could prove to be an astute signing for @placeholder after costing £16million