Gerrard: I'd boo England

Steven Gerrard
12 April 2012

Captain Steven Gerrard admits England deserve to be jeered by supporters during Wednesday's friendly against Hungary - and he would join in if he was in the stands at Wembley.

England are expected to be given a tough time by fans following their disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa this summer.

Asked if he would boo the national team at Tuesday's press conference, Gerrard said: "I probably would."

He added: "I'm expecting a mixed reaction. I'm sure there'll be boos but we have to take it on the chin. We deserve it, we let them down.

"Hopefully, with time, we can show them we are a good team and that we're desperate to make them happy."

Coach Fabio Capello received a lot of criticism for his man-management and tactics during the World Cup but the Football Association chose to stick with the Italian, and Gerrard has no doubt it was the right decision.

He said: "I've got big faith in this manager. It would be very stupid and naive not to have that moving forward. He's a fantastic manager.

"You can't shift all the blame onto the manager in these situations. We have to share the blame and take it on the chin together."

Capello said on Monday he did not know how to improve the mindset of his players, who he described as playing with fear rather than confidence.

Gerrard continued: "All the players will listen very carefully over the next couple of days and looking forward. Obviously things didn't work out in South Africa so we have to listen to the man who has the experience and follow his lead."

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