STEVEN GERRARD admits England must improve their ability to retain possession if they are to succeed at major championships – as he confirmed he will continue as captain despite the national side’s latest quarter-final heartache.

In the wake of the Three Lions’ penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy at the European Championships, the Liverpool skipper held talks with manager Roy Hodgson about his international future.

Both Gerrard and Hodgson want the Reds’ midfielder to carry on and play a leading role in England’s qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

But if the national side are to prosper in South America two years from now then there has to be significant improvement in the way they use – and keep hold – of the ball says Gerrard.

Against Italy in Kiev on Sunday night, England finished the game with a meagre 36% of possession with Uefa confirming that goalkeeper Joe Hart was the side’s most “prolific” passer.

Although Hodgson has played down the use of statistics such as this, Gerrard says being proficient on the ball is vital to being successful in international football.

Asked why an England team containing a core of highly decorated players could perform so meekly, the Liverpool man was at a loss.

“I don’t know,” said Gerrard, who has 96 England caps.

“It’s a difficult question to answer and I am sure it’s one of the biggest points of this tournament that the management and coaching staff will have to look into.

“Keeping the ball – especially at this level – is fundamental. It’s key if you want to beat the big teams in these tournaments.

“You work so hard without it your opponent ends up running you into the ground and creating chances.

“Football’s a mad game at times. If we had won the penalty shoot-out we would have been through to the last four.

“I don’t look at stats too much unless it’s clear time and time again that something’s sticking out so obviously.

“In this tournament we have come up short as far as possession is concerned.”

The Football Association’s new, multi-million pound training centre, St George’s Park has been built with the hope of it being a base to nurture a fresh culture in English football.

Gerrard says educating youngsters in keeping possession is the key though he hopes that the improvements come for this generation as well.

“The education of the young kids is vital,” said Gerrard.

“But I hope it doesn’t take 10 years. I hope we’re good enough to improve and bridge the gap with these big teams before that.”

On his future, Gerrard confirmed a desire to extend his stint with the national side.

“I have had a brief chat with the manager and told him I am available as long as I am wanted at this level,” said Gerrard.

“I have loved it (the captaincy). I have loved the responsibility. I have enjoyed every minute of it.

“I have tried my best and gave it everything I have got.”