Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has revealed he's had heart-to-hearts with England boss Fabio Capello over his role in the team.

Gerrard said: "He (Capello) has spoken to me before each game and told me what he wants me to do. He's said he wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me.

"That's what I want. I don't want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.

"I've got every confidence in this manager and the set-up he's got behind him to improve my form.

"I'll be honest, I haven't always hit my Liverpool form for England, but it's not through a lack of trying.

"I'm desperate to play well for England. I believe we are getting to where we want to be."

The fact, however, is that Gerrard's inability to do for England what he does in the famous red shirt of Liverpool has become one of football's great conundrums.

It is one that weighs heavily with the 28-year-old. Is the answer simply that he is trying too hard?

"Maybe that's right," Gerrard said. "Sometimes I think I am thinking about it too much, trying too hard.

"Before the game you say you want to take the game by the scruff of the neck, be the main man, make it happen. And sometimes if it doesn't happen for you, you try to force passes and you get frustrated, that's normal.

"I think that's where I am at the moment. I am putting too much pressure on myself and trying too hard. Maybe I do have to relax.

"I'm more relaxed at Liverpool because maybe I can afford to have a one-off bad game for Liverpool because there'll be another game around the corner, whereas if you play badly for England it may be a long time before you can correct it."