Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — Former England captain Steven Gerrard believes the pressure of expectation surrounding the country’s rising soccer stars is hampering their performances for the national side.

Gerrard, who recently retired from international football, cite the example of both Wayne Rooney, who succeeded him as captain and will make his 100th appearance in today’s Euro 2016 qualifier, and Liverpool team-mate Raheem Sterling as cases in point.

Both Wayne Rooney and Sterling made their England debuts aged 17 — with Rooney often since being portrayed as the saviour of a national side that has not won a major tournament since lifting the World Cup on home soil back in 1966.

“It is his own fault for being so good,” Gerrard said of Rooney in an interview with ITV Sport.

“It is almost a compliment to Wayne because he is so good and the press know on his day he is a world-class player who can create magical moments,” the 114-cap midfielder added.

“It is only normal he is getting all the attention. Wayne has had it for years but he has handled it well. — AFP.