Gerrard calm admirable as expectant city awaits glory

“This does not fucking slip now.” Steven Gerrard’s huddle — the inspirational moment that will define an unlikely triumph? Or an ominous poke from the finger of fear?

When Phil Collins retired a few years ago he had done it all — according to the figures anyway, whatever about the numbers — but couldn’t take much more from the critics.

His devout fan has always had the critics on side, but has been dogged by fear of never winning the one he wanted, that his people wanted most.