Gerrard rules out retirement

England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard ruled out the option of retiring from International football after losing to Italy in Euro 2012 quarter finals and revealed his aspiration to lead the team to World cup 2014.

In a press conference he said that "I have had a brief chat with the manager and told him I am available as long as I am wanted at this level," said Gerrard. "I have loved it [the captaincy]. I have loved the responsibility. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have tried my best and gave it everything I have got."

He created three of his team's five goals in Euro this year and he acknowledges that there was still huge room for enhancement after being outplayed by Italy in a reprimanding defeat.

He said "We have given a good account of ourselves."

"We haven't blown people away but we stuck together, fought hard and gave every inch of effort. However, at times we have found it difficult to keep the ball." 

Further, he added, "The possession stats speak for themselves."

"It tells you that moving forward as a nation, we do need to try and improve with the ball."

He also admitted that losing out on penalties again, upsets and would not squander easily.

"The effort and pride will be missed because we have gone out in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out again."

He added disappointingly "We are all hurting and we are all disappointed."

"But if you look at the big picture, from where we met four or five weeks ago, everyone has given it their best shot."  

The England captain is obstinate that England's performances were an enormous progress on their ruinous campaign at the 2010 World Cup when they threadbare into the second round from a weak group and were in retreat 4-1 by Germany.

He further added "It is [better than two years ago]," he said. "We have performed to a higher level at this competition than the previous one for sure."