Gerrard wants to prove doubters wrong vs. Italy

By Rob Harris

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, June 23 2012 11:06 a.m. MDT

England's manager Roy Hodgson, right, and captain Steven Gerrard inspect the pitch at the Olympic Stadium on the eve of the England versus Italy Euro 2012 quarterfinal soccer match in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, June 23, 2012.

Kirsty Wigglesworth, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

Steven Gerrard says he wants to prove the doubters wrong by leading England into the semifinals of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years.

KIEV, Ukraine — Steven Gerrard says he wants to prove the doubters wrong by leading England into the semifinals of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years.

As the England captain prepares for Sunday's quarterfinal with Italy at the European Championship, Gerrard says his country's teams "haven't shown what we are capable of" in recent years.

The midfielder wants to "seize the moment" and "show our doubters and our critics out there we can compete with teams at this level."

Going into Euro 2012, little was expected of a side in disarray after Fabio Capello's resignation in February. However, new coach Roy Hodgson has unified the squad.

Hodgson cautions, though, that it could be a "very long night for us" if Italy takes control on Sunday.

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