Eriksson to keep faith with Gerrard

Sven-Goran Eriksson says Steven Gerrard still commands a place in his England side despite the Liverpool midfielder's recent poor performances.

Gerrard has struggled to produce his inspirational club form at international level and struggled when Eriksson used an unusual five-man midfield in the defeat by Northern Ireland in the last World Cup qualifier two weeks ago.

"He does not have any problems with playing in different roles. It works for Liverpool, sometimes even within the same game," Eriksson told the Liverpool Daily Post yesterday.

"He can play second striker, wide left, wide right or where he is needed and that makes him a complete player.

"The only problem we have had is that Steve has been injured. He has not played as well as he can.

"I did speak to Rafael Benitez about the situation and he was worried too, but I was happy to pick Steven for the recent games.

"We did not win the last game, but that does not mean I would not pick Steven, and others, again."

Gerrard is still not fully fit following a calf injury, but Eriksson says the Liverpool captain is not unhappy about being asked to play in a different role for his country than the one he thrives in at his club.

Versatile player

"Whenever I talk to Steven he says he is happy wherever he plays. There is not a problem," he added.

Liverpool manager Benitez expects Gerrard to return to form for England's final World Cup qualifying games against Austria and Poland next month.

"We all know he had some problems," Benitez said.

"He is now fit and training with the team. I am hoping that in the next one to two weeks he will be better for sure."