• World Cup

We weren't good enough, says frustrated Gerrard

Soccernet staff
June 18, 2010
A disappointing day for England © Getty Images
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England labour to disappointing draw
Comment: Drop Lampard to free Gerrard
England 0-0 Algeria gallery

Steven Gerrard said England have "no excuses" after their dismal 0-0 draw with Algeria left them needing a win in their final game to stay in the tournament.

Algeria had the better of the early stages and England never got to grips with the game, struggling even to create chances in a game they had been strongly expected to win.

Asked what was missing, he told ITV: "Goals. I'm not happy with the performance. If we want to stay in this tournament till the later stages, we need to improve.

"We weren't good enough in the final third to get the breakthrough. We've got no excuses. We know the job we've got to go and do - we've got to win the last game [against Slovenia]."

Asked about the pressure, he said: "At this level, you've got to handle it. You've got to play under pressure and we never hit our level today. We'll have to have a look at it - look at the reasons why.

"We weren't aggressive enough. We never won the ball back early enough. We never had the courage in the final third.

"We have to beat [teams like Algeria], but you've got to give them credit - this is their World Cup final and they've managed to get a draw off us - but we've got to look at ourselves."

Wayne Rooney cut a frustrated figure throughout the game and, as the team were booed off at the full-time whistle, he said: "Nice to see your home fans boo you. Thanks for all your support."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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