Gerrard pleads for Neville calm

By Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

ENGLAND v URUGUAY Date: 1 March 2006 Kick-off: 2005 GMT Venue: Anfield, Liverpool Live on Match of the Day, Radio Five Live and this website

Steven Gerrard has appealed for the Anfield crowd to go easy on Gary Neville when he plays for England against Uruguay on Wednesday.

Neville was punished by the Football Association for celebrating Manchester United's late winner in front of the Liverpool fans at Old Trafford.

He was then barracked in United's FA Cup defeat at Anfield, but Gerrard said: "England will be different.

"I am sure they will be getting behind him and showing him support."

England captain David Beckham joked: "He's not stepped out of our hotel in Liverpool yet."

He added: "He's playing for England this time so I'm sure it will be different for Gary.

"I don't think he will be worried, certainly not knowing the sort of player and person he is.

"The last time I played here for England against Finland, we won 2-1 and I got a great reception from the fans. They were singing my name on The Kop, which was incredible.

"I then played at Anfield on the Saturday for Manchester United and they ripped me apart.

"It was different for club and country and hopefully it will be different for Gary."