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Steven Gerrard: 'We must keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet'

Gerrard: 'We must keep Ibrahimovic quiet'
© PA Photos
Steven Gerrard says that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a world-class player who can cause any team problems.

England captain Steven Gerrard has targeted Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Sweden's main threat ahead of their Group D clash in Kiev.

The 30-year-old, who notched 28 goals for AC Milan last season, scored the opener in their 2-1 defeat to Ukraine on Monday.

Gerrard said that England must aim to keep him quiet if they are to take all three points at the Olympic Stadium, but warned that he is not their only danger man.

"Ibrahimovic is a world-class talent and he is very dangerous so we need the same level of commitment defensively to try and stop him," said Gerrard. "If you give him time and space, he can hurt any team and we are well aware of him.

"We've watched videos of him and we are going to watch some more so we are going to be well prepared for Ibrahimovic, but he is not the only good player Sweden have. We have to worry about them as a whole team.

"They get dangerous crosses into the box, they are a big side. There is a lot more threat from Sweden than Ibrahimovic but he is a world-class talent."

Ibrahimovic was reportedly involved in a bust-up with strike partner Markus Rosenberg during their Euro 2012 opener against Ukraine.

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