Steven Gerrard's Absence Lifts the National Side?

Last night's 4-1 victory in Zagreb was historical. Historical for many reasons: it was Fabio's first real test as England manager, proof that Theo is ready to get continuous full games at every level, the first time Croatia have ever been beaten at home, and England looked a far better side without Steven Gerrard.

If it's team spirit you're looking for and a "come on lads" when the chips are down attitude, look everywhere except old Stevie. Every time I have watched England fail to live up to expectations I have found myself blaming Gerrard.

In Euro 2004, there was the loose back pass leading to David James bringing Thierry Henry down.

In World Cup 2006, there was the saved penalty against Portugal and general under-performance from the player and of course the failure to link up with Lampard during the qualification stages for Euro '08.

Gerrard is world class—there is no doubt about it. But I just feel that his absence last night really helped the team. They flowed a lot better, and seemed to spread play one minute and then tighten up well the next. Spirit was high on that pitch last night, no doubt about it, and a lack of creased foreheads and long shots going begging only helped matters.

Do not get me wrong, England have a genius here. But like Zinedine Zidane with France, Gerrard is perhaps too influential. He screams for the ball, complains when it doesn't go to him, shows his frustrations very clearly to other players, attempts far too many long distance efforts—a generally rather moody kind of guy.

I know from my own extremely limited experience of having played six-a-side football with my buddies, that when you have a player like that (a player who everyone looks up to and who has the sort of reputation where you feel obliged to feed him constantly and he's slap bang in the middle of the park) things can and will get congested and morale can take a huge kick in teeth.

It was always like a strange sort of cloud that just sat there ready to hit with a heavy burst of rain as soon as a bad pass came his way or we went a goal down before half time. Last night  I saw Rooney pick up the ball in certain positions, knowing had Gerrard been there instead, he would have had a go 90 percent of the time. But every time last night Rooney passed it, and when he did something happened.

Gerrard only really gives the England team one shape and I think England don't need a central midfield world class super star. Tthey need a strong, available, open team, with the room for heroes to come from all over the park at different times and in different games.

Last night we had that. We looked adaptable and I think it's the adaptability factor that will win us the World Cup. Gerrard should play a part, definitely, but it has to be noted that we can do amazing things without him.