Last Updated: 01st July 2012
STEVEN GERRARD insists Wayne Rooney should not be made the scapegoat for England’s Euro 2012 failure.
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The England skipper says it is unrealistic to expect the Manchester United star to win tournaments “on his own.”
And he fears the huge weight of expectation on Rooney could be part of the reason the Three Lions striker failed to deliver again.
Gerrard said: “I just think that ever since Wayne has been around, and because of his performances in Euro 2004, there is an expectation that he comes to these tournaments and wins them all on his own.
“I just think that’s unfair — especially when it goes wrong and people then point to Wayne and his performances and blame him.
“But the responsibility has to be on all 23 players.
“It’s unfair to look at Wayne and say because he didn’t play well it’s the reason why we haven’t won.
“I’ve mentioned on many occasions that at this level the biggest thing is to play without expectation, without fear.
“So it’s only normal that at times Wayne is brought down because of that expectation, because everyone expects and wants him to do well.”
Rooney, 26, is copping plenty of flak for his lacklustre displays in Ukraine.
Just as he did after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
But Gerrard believes the Three Lions’ inability to retain possession is the biggest problem.
Boss Roy Hodgson saw his side crash out of the Euros on penalties against Italy in the quarter-finals.
And Liverpool midfield star Gerrard said: “It’s a mixture of different things — options, tiredness, technique.
“We can all look at it and try and improve. If we don’t, well, then we are not going to be successful.”
Gerrard, 32, says he is in for the long haul all the way to the Brazil World Cup in 2014.
He said: “Since Roy has come in he’s made it very clear he wants me around and wants me to be a help to the young players — and that my ability can still help the team.
“But I will speak to the manager in more detail and will find out what he wants my role to be.
“I’m sure he understands that with my age and my body, I need to be managed properly to have a big impact on this team and also Liverpool.
“The easy decision for me would be to walk away from all of this and say I want to prolong my Liverpool career. But the experiences I’ve had with this team over the last four games have been fantastic.
“I have enjoyed every minute of this tournament, except going out to Italy.
“And I still feel I’m good enough to have an impact at this level.”
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