Search icon

Uncategorized

22nd Jun 2014

“Name names!” Steven Gerrard calls on Harry Redknapp to reveal identities of reluctant England players

Steven Gerrard reacted passionately to Harry Redknapp's claims that Tottenham players asked him to get them out of England games.

Tony Cuddihy

Steven Gerrard reacted passionately to Harry Redknapp’s claims that Tottenham players asked him to get them out of England games.

Redknapp told BBC Radio 5 live that, when he was in charge at the North London club, players would approach him and ask him to get them out of international duty.

Gerrard was speaking ahead of England’s final World Cup game against Costa Rica and said:  “I’ll tell you what – I’d be interested to find out who those players are.

“If Harry is making a comment like that he should name them and embarrass them. No-one in this group wants to go home – no one.”

The England captain said he had spoken to former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, who said he was devastated to be left out of the World Cup squad.

“Should Harry not name them? If he’s not naming them I can’t answer. If it’s the case it’s disgusting.

“For me, if a player doesn’t want to be here, he doesn’t deserve to be here at a World Cup.

“I can understand why you have asked the question with Harry Redknapp being a big coach in the game but we need names. I can guarantee you that it’s not here in this squad.

“When you go down into the younger age groups, they’re younger lads and might not want to be away from their families. But when you’re picked at this level and find any excuse not to be here, you don’t deserve to be here.”

England manager Roy Hodgson added: “In the two years I’ve been here, I’ve seen a greater interest in playing for England, so Harry’s comments come as a bit of a surprise to me. If you make comments like that, you have to name them.”