Neal ‘staggered’ by Gerrard blow
Former England coach Phil Neal admitted he was ‘‘staggered’’ by news Steven Gerrard may need an operation which would leave his World Cup dream in tatters.
The former England and Liverpool player reckoned Gerrard’s groin injury - as well as Kieron Dyer’s knee problem which is likely to keep him out - was a serious blow to England’s World Cup hopes.
With David Beckham facing a race against time to be fit along with Nicky Butt, Neal tipped Owen Hargreaves to be the man to benefit.
Neal told Sky Sports News: ‘‘I’m staggered really. I saw Steven Gerrard come off yesterday and I thought purely it was a precautionary measure. I thought they were just saving him for the England squad.
‘‘I’m astounded to hear the news and likewise Dyer. It is concerning to Liverpool and Sven-Goran Eriksson as well.
‘‘Maybe Owen Hargreaves is the ace in the pack he can play in the centre or wide on the right.
‘‘Hopefully Beckham comes through now. Imagine the scenario if Beckham has a little hiccup we really would be in problems. It is a massive blow.
‘‘I certainly wouldn’t risk Beckham in either of the warm-up games Eriksson knows what he can do. Maybe Owen Hargreaves or Joe Cole should play, they might be very important men.’’
Former England captain Alan Mullery believes injury problems could spell the end of England’s hopes of reaching the second round.
Mullery said: ‘‘It’s terribly sad news. I feel really sorry for him. The tackle on Dyer was an absolute disgrace and now having to miss the World Cup I feel sorry for him.
‘‘If it is gloomy on the Gerrard front we might be back after 10 days. They are going down like flies now. It is a terrible blow to lose two lads of their quality.’’
