Steven Gerrard at England's training camp in Irdning, Austria, ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.
Steven Gerrard at England's training camp in Irdning, Austria, ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.
Steven Gerrard at England's training camp in Irdning, Austria, ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.
Steven Gerrard at England's training camp in Irdning, Austria, ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.

It's time for Gerrard to live up to potential


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By his own admission, Steven Gerrard has had a poor season with Liverpool, but the England midfielder says he is getting back to his best form - just in time for the World Cup. Gerrard has again been the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield this summer because he reportedly has lost faith in manager Rafael Benitez.

Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League, after going close to winning the title 12 months earlier, and made an early exit from the Champions League. But Gerrard, 29, is now fully focused on England's World Cup campaign and he challenged England to turn potential into reality in South Africa. The midfielder said: "It has been a difficult season - personally and for the Liverpool group as a whole - because we've underachieved.

"We haven't achieved the goals we set out to achieve at the start of the season. It has been really tough dealing with those setbacks. "But now we are here for England, it is important club issues are put to one side. "My main focus is on 'can I go to the World Cup and do well for myself and England?' "The good thing is my form has come back closer to where I want it to be. I have experienced up-and-down form during the season, suffered certain injuries, and struggled to get back the form I wanted straight away.

"At the moment I am feeling good. I finished the season quite strongly, personally." Gerrard claims England have the right blend in the squad to pose a serious threat this summer. But he also stressed the importance of Wayne Rooney staying fit if the goals are to be realised. Gerrard said: "What we've got here now is a fantastic mixture of players with international experience and also fresh youngsters who are very talented.

"The mix is good. The challenge now is can we get out on the pitch and prove to the rest of the world that we are good enough to be successful at one of these major tournaments? "The World Cup is very close now and it is very important we stay strong and together. Hopefully we get a bit of luck with injuries and keep everyone available. "If we can do that, we feel we've got a fantastic chance of doing well in South Africa.

"We've got to take each game as it comes and the first challenge is to get out of the group as winners." Gerrard believes a fully fit Rooney could tip the balance in England's favour. He said: "Wayne's form has been up there as one of the best players in the world. "As a teammate, you are keeping your fingers crossed that he stays fit. He is our key man, he is great to have around the place. Hopefully he can stay away from injury."

* PA Sport

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Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

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Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet