STEVEN Gerrard has warned Fabio Capello will get ruthless towards any England player who does not adapt to his way of thinking - and send them into international exile.
The Liverpool captain believes the head coach will stand for no nonsense if the players do not live up to his expectations ahead of Sunday's friendly international with Trinidad and Tobago.
And Gerrard admits he is willing to play anywhere to secure a place in Capello's starting line-up after being used primarily in a left-sided midfield role against USA at Wembley on Wednesday.
Gerrard said: "Every single player has got things to prove personally and also as a team. We have under-achieved. All the staff are scrutinising us and looking at our strengths and weaknesses.
"Every time we train and every time there is an opportunity to meet up and play these games, you've got come to try and impress to stay involved.
"I am sure this manager will be ruthless if you don't meet the standards he wants. It is as simple as that.
"Training has been intense and, if you don't play the way Mr Capello wants you to play, or buy into his system, then I think it's 'goodbye' for you.
"The lads are learning how the manager wants us to play and how he wants the team set-up and he is also telling people individually what he expects from them."
Gerrard would prefer to play in a central role but accepts players have to be ready to adapt to whatever is required from them after playing in three different positions in Capello's three games.
He said: "That is not a concern. It is something I am quite used to at club level. I feel as if I am mature enough and experienced enough to adapt to different roles.
"You know my favourite role. I don't have to go on record and say it again.
"But, as long as I am in that starting XI and part of this England team, because I believe we will improve to get to where we want to get, I don't mind where I play.
"I think football has changed. In this day and age you can't afford to be selfish and think about yourself and spit your dummy out of the pram if you are not in your favourite position.
"You have got to adapt and be a team player and that's what I think I am. I have mentally accepted that - about six years ago."
Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is among the candidates to lead the side out in Port of Spain.
And Gerrard reiterated his desire for the 27-year-old to move to Liverpool next season.
He added: "I know all about Gareth. I am good friends with him off the pitch and I am desperate for Liverpool to sign him. He is a very good player.
"You talk about strengthening the team, the starting XI and the squad, and Gareth will certainly help Liverpool to be a better team."
And Gerrard admits he is willing to play anywhere to secure a place in Capello's starting line-up after being used primarily in a left-sided midfield role against USA at Wembley on Wednesday.
Gerrard said: "Every single player has got things to prove personally and also as a team. We have under-achieved. All the staff are scrutinising us and looking at our strengths and weaknesses.
"Every time we train and every time there is an opportunity to meet up and play these games, you've got come to try and impress to stay involved.
"I am sure this manager will be ruthless if you don't meet the standards he wants. It is as simple as that.
"Training has been intense and, if you don't play the way Mr Capello wants you to play, or buy into his system, then I think it's 'goodbye' for you.
"The lads are learning how the manager wants us to play and how he wants the team set-up and he is also telling people individually what he expects from them."
Gerrard would prefer to play in a central role but accepts players have to be ready to adapt to whatever is required from them after playing in three different positions in Capello's three games.
He said: "That is not a concern. It is something I am quite used to at club level. I feel as if I am mature enough and experienced enough to adapt to different roles.
"You know my favourite role. I don't have to go on record and say it again.
"But, as long as I am in that starting XI and part of this England team, because I believe we will improve to get to where we want to get, I don't mind where I play.
"I think football has changed. In this day and age you can't afford to be selfish and think about yourself and spit your dummy out of the pram if you are not in your favourite position.
"You have got to adapt and be a team player and that's what I think I am. I have mentally accepted that - about six years ago."
Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is among the candidates to lead the side out in Port of Spain.
And Gerrard reiterated his desire for the 27-year-old to move to Liverpool next season.
He added: "I know all about Gareth. I am good friends with him off the pitch and I am desperate for Liverpool to sign him. He is a very good player.
"You talk about strengthening the team, the starting XI and the squad, and Gareth will certainly help Liverpool to be a better team."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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