Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has urged Steve McClaren to take care of his injured captain Steven Gerrard. Gerrard missed out on Liverpool’s game as they thrashed Derby as he continues to recover from a broken toe. However, the influential midfielder has assured McClaren that he will be available for the Euro 2008 qualifiers in early September. The midfielder may well be looking to painkilling injections to help him through the games.

England require at least 4 points from their 2 home games at Wembley to maintain any realistic hope of reaching the Euro 2008 finals next year. The side have underachieved so far in their qualifying group but will be looking for a turn around in form to land them in the competition set to take place in Austria and Switzerland. Given the absence of Frank Lampard from the squad Gerrard’s presence in a centre midfield role is all the more important.