Gerrard Admits 'Too Early' for England Recall

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard admitted Friday it was "probably too early" for him to earn a recall to the England squad for next week's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro.

Gerrard is slowly returning to club duty after a six-month lay-off following a groin injury, but believes next Friday's game in Podgorica has come too early for him as Fabio Capello prepares to name his squad this weekend.

"I think everyone knows I'm still not 100 percent match fit," Gerrard told Liverpool TV as the Reds prepared for Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton.

"I have only probably had two 12-minute games. I'm not really sure how much I'm going to play against Everton so, in my opinion, it's probably still a bit too early," Gerrard said.

"I don't make the decisions. Those decisions are down to the England manager, whether he picks me or not.

"In my opinion there are other players out there who are match fit who are probably more suitable for that game, but we'll have to wait and see."

Gerrard meanwhile is relaxed about the probability of him having to start Saturday's derby at Goodison on the bench.

"I totally understand that. With experience I have come to learn about my own body and I haven't been out for two or three weeks with a hamstring or a calf injury. I've had a reconstruction of my groin and it is going to take time," he said.

"To be fair to Kenny and the medical staff, they have handled me perfectly so far and I'm sure they'll do the same in the coming weeks.

"It's important that I don't force it, they don't force it and we don't push it too hard, but I am at the stage now where the only way I'm going to get my match sharpness, match fitness and get back to the form I want to play at is if I get game time."