Steven Gerrard admits to having thoughts of quitting after 2010 World Cup

England skipper Steven Gerrard has admitted to having thoughts about quitting international football in the wake of the team's awful performance during the South Africa World Cup.

"I'm not going to lie to you. Since we were knocked out of the World Cup, it has been really difficult being an England player," admitted Gerrard, just days after Paul Robinson and Wes Brown announced they no longer wanted to play for their country.

"So, retirement does cross your mind at times. But, very quickly, you switch back to thinking of staying and hanging in and, hopefully, turning things round and having a successful tournament," he added.

When asked about the decision of Robinson and Brown to quit international football, the midfielder said, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and decisions. But, I think, if the manager picks you to play for England, you should come and play. Then, again, players are different."
 
"I don't know how I would deal with that situation. But I would want to go out on a high. I have played for England for over 10 years and there's no way I want my last memory to be of losing 4-1 to Germany," he added.

"England fans will be disappointed with boss Fabio Capello's starting line-up - Joe Hart, Michael Dawson and Bobby Zamora excepted. But the second half will at least give them the chance to see new talents like Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Adam Johnson," reports The Sun.