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Steven Gerrard: "Mario Balotelli is an excellent player"

Gerrard:
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England skipper Steven Gerrard identifies Mario Balotelli as Italy's major threat ahead of tomorrow's quarter-final in Kiev.

England captain Steven Gerrard has pinpointed Italy striker Mario Balotelli as the main threat to his side's chances of progressing through to the semi-finals of Euro 2012 tomorrow evening.

The Manchester City striker has been widely tipped to regain his place in the Italian starting lineup for tomorrow's encounter in Kiev.

Having played against the 21-year-old several times in the Premier League, Gerrard has admitted that the Three Lions will have to be on their guard to nullify his threat.

"Mario Balotelli is an excellent player and a very dangerous player," Gerrard told a press conference. "We will have to take extra care of him if he is selected.

"We are aware of all his skills and a lot of our players know him and we will have to contain him if he plays."

The winner of tomorrow's quarter-final will face Germany on Thursday night.

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