Dalglish backs Gerrard to shine for England

Kenny Dalglish believes Steven Gerrard has the hunger to continue playing for England, despite not being selected as captain.

The Liverpool skipper had revealed he was considering retiring from internationals after Euro 2012 to prolong his club career, after seeing a succession of injuries diminish his chances for the Three Lions.

But Dalglish has backed the midfielder to continue for his country and even reach 100 caps.

“He obviously must enjoy representing his country if he’s done it 90 times,” the 60-year-old told reporters.

“I was a bit older than Steven when I retired from international duty and we never played as many matches.”

“But to get 100 caps for your country is a proud achievement. To represent the football club you have supported all your life is an equally proud achievement as well.”

“If he’s got a decision to make he’s got a decision to make but I couldn’t say one way or the other. It’s up to the individual.”

“They’ve also got the European Championships coming up this summer and that is an attraction as well.”

The Scot also insisted that Gerrard’s quality remains, despite his fitness issues, and was certain that the 31-year-old was good enough to play for any team in the world.

“If I was in charge of the team Steven would have been playing for me as well. It is no surprise for me that anyone picks Steven Gerrard for their team. If I was the manager of any team in the world I am going to select Steven Gerrard for it,” Dalglish said.

Gerrard managed just 30 minutes of England’s midweek friendly defeat to the Netherlands, before being substituted with a suspected hamstring injury.

But Dalglish refused to criticise England’s stand-in coach Stuart Pearce, despite the possibility of losing his captain for tough upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Merseyside rivals Everton.

“I’ve got great respect for Pearcey,” Dalglish claimed. “He played for me at Newcastle and is a good, honest fella.”

“He thought he was ready to play, and I’m sure he had a conversation with Steven and asked him, and between them they probably thought it was the right decision to make. Steven could have been back here, not involved (with England) and got injured in training.”

“They had him for three days there and it was their shout. It was just a case of ‘look after him’, as I’m sure they do all their international players. Don’t forget if they come back injured (the Football Association) have to pay their wages.”