Skip to content

Steven Gerrard says England must exploit experience of former stars

Steven Gerrard set up two goals for LA Galaxy against Vancouver
Image: Steven Gerrard believes former England players have a lot to offer the national side

Steven Gerrard has urged the Football Association to utilise former England stars to help the national side realise its potential.

Sam Allardyce will name his first England squad on Sunday ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on September 4. 

Who will Big Sam pick?
Who will Big Sam pick?

Who will be the winners and losers in Sam Allardyce's first England squad? We take a look.

Gerrard was one of a number of senior players consulted by the FA during their search for a successor to Roy Hodgson, and the former Liverpool and England captain believes the presence of former internationals on the training pitch would only help the national team.

"It don't think they should be forced to be involved, but it is a waste on the FA's behalf if they don't involve players that have played for England over 100 times, or 50, 60, 70 times," he said.

Sam Allardyce
Image: Sam Allardyce will name his first England squad on Sunday

"It is a waste for England if people don't tap into that knowledge and experience. 

"I put myself in the kids' shoes. If you are 17, 18, 21 or you're Ross Barkley, Dele Alli and you turn up and play for England, do you not want to see Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand?

"I'd have loved that. I'd have loved to come into the England set-up and have seen Paul Ince, Tony Adams. 

Also See:

England footballer Steven Gerrard gestures after his team lost 3-2 to Croatia in a Group E Euro 2008 Qualifying game at Wembley, in north London, 21 Novemb
Image: Gerrard made 114 appearances for England

"The FA are doing the right thing by tapping into the knowledge of the players, but not just the recent players, players that have been there and done that a while ago."

Around Sky