Steven Gerrard to Miss England Qualifiers

After completing a full 120 minutes against Belgium outfit Standard Liege, manager Rafa Benitez confirmed his 'skipper' would need a groin operation.

Benitez told SkySports News:

"(Gerrard) has a groin problem so he will have an operation and could be out for 10 to 15 days,"

"It's not serious, but we need to do it. He has been playing some games in pain, not being 100 percent fit.

"He had a problem for the first leg with Liege and when he went away with England for the friendly last week against the Czech Republic.

"We talked with the doctor yesterday and today and it was decided that Steven would play in this match with the pain, but now we will have to get the situation solved."

Criticism from Czech Republic Friendly

Steven Gerrard was one of the numerous players to come under heavy criticism after England's recent dour display against the Czech's in which they only managed to salvage a draw in the last minute.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was one of the main culprits suggesting that no England manager could ever find a solution to England's problems and stating that Gerrard can't play anywhere but through the middle. While the experienced Pompey 'gaffer' meant no harm with his comments they have caused quite a stir.

Lampard Looks to Beat 'Boo-Boys' With Vital Role

With the ubiquitous debate about how to play Gerrard and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard together still on the lips of every England 'arm chair manager', the games against Andorra and Croatia could be the perfect opportunity for Lampard to show exactly why he deserves to play centrally.

It is usually Lampard who is demoted to the substitute bench with Gerrard playing centrally with a holding midfielder e.g Villa's Gareth Barry. This was especially common during the end of now FC Twente manger Steve McClaren's reign.

Now that Lampard must shoulder more responsibility he may finally put in the performance to beat the England 'boo-boys' and regain the affection of the Wembley crowed.

Liverpool to Face Aston Villa

Liverpool travel to Villa Park on Sunday to take on Martin O'Neal's Aston Villa, and Gareth Barry. The England midfielder has been a long time transfer target for the Reds with the 'will he? won't he?' saga lasting the whole summer. While at one stage it looked a certain done deal, in more recent weeks a seeming lack of funds on Liverpool's part and high asking price on Villa's part has seen the potential deal stagnate somewhat.

One potential fiery contest to look out for on Sunday is the battle between transfer target Gareth Barry and the man they intend to replace Xabi Alonso. With Alonso stating often his desire to remain at the club, he will be keen to impress manger Rafa Benitez enough to convince him that the £18million signing of Barry is not necessary.

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