LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard is paying the price for his recent outings with England.

Gerrard played in both Euro 2008 qualifying wins over Israel and Russia, despite being a doubt with a broken toe.

Benitez said: eeIt could be that playing twice for England has had an impact.

eeThey knew what I felt about it but everyone was talking about how important this situation was for England.ff Gerrard came off with cramp after 71 minutes in the win over Israel before playing the full game when Russia lost at Wembley four days later.

Since his return from international duty, the 27-year-old midfielder has struggled and Liverpool have failed to impress in goalless draws against Portsmouth and Birmingham.

Gerrard went on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw at Fratton Park but started the 1-1 draw with Porto in the Champions League as well as Saturdayfs Anfield clash against Birmingham.

Benitez added: eeHis national team is England but it is clear that these players cannot play every game for 90 minutes.

eeGerrard was not 100 per cent physically fresh, I donft mean fit but fresh.

eeIn these kind of games you need to keep the tempo really high and if you play too many games in a row for 90 minutes, especially if you are not fit then normally you have problems.ff Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson insists he will not be panicked into tactical changes by his sidefs defensive nightmare against Fulham as he chases his European eedreamff.

Saturdayfs 3-3 draw at Craven Cottage saw City more than double their tally of league goals conceded this season.

For a manager famed for his conservatism the display must have come as quite a shock, but Eriksson is adamant he will not be moved to change his system and is sure it is only a matter of time before his players find the right blend of attack and defence.

eeWe have to get both right at the same time,h he said.