Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has backed captain Steven Gerrard to put the hurt of missing out on the Premier League title behind him as he prepares for the World Cup in Brazil.
The Merseyside outfit narrowly missed out on claiming their first Premier League title, finishing just two points adrift of eventual winners Manchester City.
Gerrard’s slip at Anfield against Chelsea gifted Demba Ba the chance to open the scoring and all but handed the title to City, although the Reds capitulated a week later – throwing away a three-goal lead to draw at Crystal Palace.
The England captain came under fire for his mistake against Jose Mourinho’s men but Rodgers believes he is strong enough to move past the doubters as he looks to impress on the international stage.
Rodgers said: “I’ve no concerns whatsoever about Steven.
“I think Steven will go away and when he reflects on what has been personally a brilliant season of football, he has been very unfairly pointed out in terms of his slip.
“It could have happened in the third game it could have happened in the fourth game but it certainly wasn’t anywhere near the defining moment of our season. That wasn’t what cost us the league.”
The 33-year-old Gerrard will be eager to give his all for the England, who are priced at 3.00 to win Group D in Brazil behind Italy (2.55) and Uruguay (2.60), as it is likely to be his last chance to play on the world stage for the Three Lions.
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