Liverpool and England star Steven Gerrard has revealed he has been left exhaus
ted by his exertions this season.
Gerrard brought the curtain down on his long season on Wednesday by helping En
gland to a 3-0 win over Estonia in their Euro 2008 qualifier.
The midfield dynamo played 62 games for club and country last term and he conc
edes his hectic schedule damaged his hopes of success with Liverpool and Engla
nd.
"I desperately need a rest - it's as simple as that. I'm worn out," Gerrard to
ld the Sunday Mirror.
"Two-and-a-half weeks off after the World Cup wasn't enough to prepare for a h
ectic season, which included going all the way in the Champions League final a
nd playing for England.
"It's been a difficult season for me but I'm getting married next week and I'v
e got four weeks to put my feet up.
"Demands on players at the highest level can be excessive. It's a no-win situa
tion because the more success you have, the more games you have to play.
"But it's going to be a big season next year for club and country."
Meanwhile, Peter Crouch has spoken of his frustration at his failure to hold d
own a regular place in the England side.
Crouch returned to the England starting XI for the win over Estonia after bein
g on the bench against Brazil.
However, he will miss the next qualifier against Israel after picking up a nee
dless booking against Estonia and Crouch conceded the suspension was a blow to
his hopes of establishing himself under Steve McClaren.
The Liverpool forward has also struggled to be a regular starter for his club
and the giant striker admits he is fed up at not being used more often.
"It can be frustrating at times," Crouch told the News of the World. "I feel I
've done well enough to stay in the side but they then try other options.
"Hopefully I've proved this now but the suspension is another setback.
"I just want to keep proving myself and stay in the England and Liverpool team
s."
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