By Despite the intense press scrutiny around an English World Cup squad, the time between games remains a bit of a mystery.
Steven Gerrard knows what it’s like to be there better than anyone. He was at the 2006 tournament and captained England in 2010 and 2014, and only five Englishmen have played more than his 12 World Cup games.
We asked the Liverpool legend about his memories of taking part in the biggest event in world sport, and for an idea of what Southgate's men will be going through right now.
How do you get the team to bond?
You have golf days, you have cinema days and stuff, and you also have like a games room set up with table tennis and pool and snooker. The competitive edge between the players - that’s what brings them together.
Who was the best at pool?
To be honest with you, everyone was at a good level. But in our squad, it was Wayne Rooney who was the glue. He was the one who was the joker, and he was the best at making sure that the team spirit was always very good.
Were you there when Jermain Defoe and Rooney watched Rooney’s wedding video?
I haven’t seen Wayne Rooney’s wedding video, no. I’m sure it’s very nice, but no.
What about the club cliques?
The cliques were natural in normal get-togethers - if it was like a 10-day period - because you don’t spend much time together, and normally there’s two or three players you know from your club and stick with. But I think during the World Cup there’s enough time to mix, so you come out of your comfort zone.
What’s the feeling on the team bus driving to the stadium?
You’re obviously very, very excited. You can’t wait for that kick-off to happen. But at the same time there’s a bit of pressure as well, because you know the whole nation and everyone in the world is about to watch your game, so it’s a mixture of those two things. But I’m jealous of the boys. I wish I was in that squad and going over there and playing, because there’s no better feeling than going out to a World Cup.
How does it feel to take a penalty in a shootout?
The pressure that you’re under when you’re selected to take a penalty is incredible. In two major tournaments I’ve missed one and scored one. When I took me second one and scored, I was actually Liverpool’s penalty taker and I think taking them around big crowds and big stadiums prepared me for the pressure in the World Cup. When I took my first penalty and missed I wasn’t a natural penalty taker. Nothing could prepare me for that moment.
I think the key message to the penalty takers, if it comes to that, is never, ever change your mind. I changed my mind on a penalty in the run up and I ended up paying the price. But I think that was down to inexperience. The second time round I was composed and I had that confidence I was gonna score.
What do you make of this England squad?
The lads look together, they’re smiling and they’re happy. I think the main thing at the moment is there’s not much pressure or expectation on this squad, and I think that can help them once they get out there because I think what’s held us back at certain times.
Steven Gerrard is an ambassador for Budweiser, the Official Beer of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Budweiser will give every adult aged 18 and over a free beer to celebrate if the tournament trophy is brought back to England. To claim their complimentary Budweiser, those of legal drinking age and who are living in England should visit www.freebudforthenation.co.uk to register as a fan and be the first to know if the offer goes live, and where they can also then claim a voucher for their free Budweiser.
