'Reds will benefit from Stevie decision'
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool will benefit from the news that Steven Gerrard has chosen to quit international football, as the Reds look forward to the new campaign that sees the return of Champions League football.
The Liverpool skipper has now called time on his stellar England career of 14 years, in which time he amassed 114 caps - the third highest in his country's history - 38 of which were as captain, as well as participating in three World Cup tournaments and three European Championships.
However, with the future rigours of international football now off the agenda for Gerrard, ex-teammate Jamie Carragher believes that England's loss will be the Reds' gain:
"Listen, for Liverpool Football Club, it's a great decision. I am sure the Liverpool supporters will be happy," said the former Reds defender.
"But there will be more demands on Liverpool this season, more expected because of the season they had last year, and Steven Gerrard is still a vital part of Liverpool - and I think he will be for the next two or three years, so for Brendan Rodgers, it's a great decision by Stevie.
"I think he has shown that throughout his career, he has been able to deal with the demands of Liverpool and England. I think just that fact of Liverpool being back into Europe now, that adds to the schedule of games.
"At times, you are playing two or three times a week because he is still vitally important to Liverpool, and I think he is also for England in some ways because there isn't a natural person you could see taking the role he has now with England in terms of that holding role, that sitting role.
"There are not many young players coming through in that role, but England will have to find someone to fill that role."
Meanwhile, as the tributes continued to flow in the wake of Gerrard's decision, two former England stars took to social media to express their gratitude to the Huyton-born midfielder.
Rio Ferdinand tweeted: "Next England captain??? Gerrard has been an incredible player. Surpassing 100 caps is some achievement."
Former England hero Gary Lineker posted: "Steven Gerrard has retired from international football. He's been a wonderful servant to his country. A great player who always gave all."