Gerrard dispels injury fears

England captain Steven Gerrard said he is fully fit, despite playing just 45 minutes in the 1-0 win over Norway in Olso.

Gerrard has struggled with injury all season, missing large chunks of Liverpool’s disappointing campaign, and when he failed to emerge for the second half, it was feared he may have suffered another problem.

However, the skipper explained it was a pre-meditated plan with new England boss Roy Hodgson to prevent him picking up any knocks.

“It was always the plan for me to play 45 minutes. I had a bit of a tight hamstring towards the end of the season,” the 31-year-old said.

“I missed a couple of games towards the end. But I’m fine, I’ve come through 45 minutes and I’m raring to go next week.”

Gerrard was delighted with the performance of his side, and in particular Manchester United forward Ashley Young, who scored the only goal.

It was Young’s fourth strike in as many games for the national side, and the skipper was impressed with his link-up play with striker Andy Carroll.

“We are really pleased with Ashley’s performance and I thought him and Andy look decent together,” Gerrard said.

“Ashley is a good player and when he plays that withdrawn role off the front man and gets in between the lines, he is very dangerous and skillful.

“Opposing defenders and midfielders don’t know how to pick him up because he finds the space so well.

“He is in good form for England and is scoring a lot of goals at the right time with the Euros coming up.”