From Football 365:

The Euro draw has not been kind following the pairing with Germany in the World Cup qualifiers...

"Yeah, the same again. But there is no easy draw at this level and there are no easy games. It could have been a lot worse for us, there are harder groups. But Germany ignites the passion. It's about time we got a good result against them and perhaps it's time our fortunes changed."

Are England good enough to win the European Championships?

"I think we are. We have some exceptional individuals in the squad, as much talent as any nation really. We haven't played well in some games admittedly, but then it's down to us to prove our critics wrong. We now have the opportunity after qualifying for the finals. It's not going to be easy, but success is a long time coming and if people are patient to a point, I think we will get it right."

You were 20 on Tuesday. Looking back on your career to date, is it still hard to take in what has happened?

"Everything happened so quickly for me that I never had a great deal of time to think about anything. Even when I look back on it now it's sometimes difficult to appreciate what has happened in my career. I guess I'm very fortunate in a way that I went into the game with my eyes wide open. No matter what success has come my way I've always been able to rely on my family and friends to keep my feet on the ground. I'm pretty level-headed anyway but it can be difficult to handle, especially when it seems to have happened overnight. But I am 20 and my career is only just beginning. So as much as I can look back at this point and feel satisfied, my ambitions are to build on that. I want to win championships with Liverpool, play in the Champions League and win international honours. So there is plenty to aim for."

Has it been difficult to live with your popularity?

"When it first happens it hits you quite hard. But you learn to deal with it in time. I know that one minute I can be a hero, the next people are knocking me. Football has no grey areas, I know that. I do get my fair share of attention but it hasn't stopped me doing things. I can go out, you just have to be careful where you go and make sure you are sensible with it. There are a great deal of youngsters that are influenced by our sport and the individuals that play it. So you have a duty to make sure you are a good role model. I knew that I would get attention if I did become successful, but I also know that can change in this game."

Any lessons learnt from the past few years?

"Don't believe your own press. It's nice when things are running smoothly, you're playing well and people are singing your praises. But there is always a chance that things can change. Loss of form, injuries, they all contribute to that. And with success comes a certain amount of pressure. There is not a great deal of room to manoeuvre. One minute you're a hero, the next you stink."

You're just coming back to fitness, but how frustrating is being injured?

"No player likes to be injured. You're helpless, you can't do anything to change things. I love playing for Liverpool and England when I'm given the opportunity, and when you're denied that opportunity because of any number of reasons, you're going to be disappointed. I know I have done everything possible to recover from this present injury but it has taken time - around five months - to sort out. The main thing in my life is to do my job well for Liverpool and England. This injury may have interrupted my career and caused me concern during part of this season, but that's a small price to pay."

You have recently come in for criticism. Does that concern you?

"I knew it would come at some point. It's how I handle that criticism that counts. I'm the first to admit that I've not been playing my best football, but I'm still trying to regain my full fitness after returning from a serious injury. But I'm getting support from the right people and that counts for a lot. And I'm sure once I get a few more games under my belt, I'll be back to my best."

What about Liverpool's season?

"We've been doing alright. The important thing is we are moving in the right direction and the Liverpool fans appreciate that. We haven't found the consistency that will bring us major success as yet, but we are getting there. We have to be realistic about our chances though. We are certainly not ruling out the title, but it would be nice to get into the Champions League if we don't. We have had some injuries to contend with, but then so have other sides in the Premiership. But overall we're doing well. Of course, there is room for improvement, but you could say that about any team."

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