Bizarrely, the Anfield boss also suggested he could one day manage the national team in his adopted homeland.

Only goalscorer Crouch emerged with any credit from last night's 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley which ended England's hopes of making the trip to Austria and Switzerland next summer for Euro 2008.

Gerrard, leading the side in John Terry's injury-enforced absence, has come in for criticism for his performance against the Croats and the debate about whether he and Chelsea's Frank Lampard can form an effective partnership in midfield refuses to go away despite both the sacked Steve McClaren and predecessor Sven-Goran Eriksson using the pair together extensively.

Benitez, however, was fully supportive of his club captain.

"I think the players tried to do their best. I was disappointed for them," said the manager.

"My support is always for Steven 100 percent because his commitment is without doubt. I think he will be okay for us and I am sure he will play as well as always."

He also gave his backing to Crouch and goalkeeper Scott Carson, currently on loan at Aston Villa, who made a hash of Croatia's opening goal on his competitive debut.

"It was a great goal (by Crouch). Good control and good finish. He showed the quality he has," said the Liverpool boss.

"I'm disappointed for Scott Carson because he is a very good keeper. He needs to keep training and playing well for Aston Villa and that is it.

"One mistake for a keeper is sometimes normal. I think he has quality and a strong mentality so he will be ready for the next games and he will be really good because he is a good goalkeeper."

Benitez was unusually reticent when asked for his comments on anything other than Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle.

A stock response to any question he did not want to answer was to repeat: "I am focused on training and coaching my team."

His demeanour was one of a man with issues, although he did not elaborate on a week he described as "not the best".

The Spaniard, however, did offer up the prospect of him potentially taking over the England job at some point.

"In the future you never know," said Benitez.

"It can happen. You never know what can happen. If I can improve my English."

Those comments suggested the former Valencia boss had already considered life away from Anfield - which was at odds with some of his comments last week when he spoke about his admiration for the longevity Sir Alex Ferguson has enjoyed at arch-rivals Manchester United.