HOW do you solve a problem like Steven Gerrard?

That is the question facing Fabio Capello in the warm afterglow of England’s super 4-1 win in Croatia last Wednesday.

The trouble with Gerrard is that he is one of the best midfielders in the world, he is vital to Liverpool and a figurehead for the England team.

Two goals in Marseilles on Tuesday night underlined his importance and sent a loud signal that he is back all guns blazing after a minor groin op.

However, Capello will have to wield the axe to accommodate him for the Kazakhstan game next month. And that is where the problem lies.

Gareth Barry is in superb form for Aston Villa. He was great again the other night at Tottenham.

Frank Lampard is buzzing for Chelsea — what a display at Manchester City on Saturday.

And Joe Cole and Theo Walcott are indispensable at present for club and country.

Capello just cannot break up the side which demolished Croatia, gave England’s World Cup qualifying campaign a major shot in the arm and did wonders for confidence in the camp.

If I were England boss, I’d have to make a brave decision and put Gerrard on the bench.

He is going to have to bite the bullet and accept there is no place for him at the moment. It is just a harsh reality of the football world. I’m sure Steven would take it squarely on the chin and realise he’ll be back in the side sooner rather than later.

Often what happens is fate steps in, someone gets a knock and a space becomes available.

Gerrard wants to qualify for the World Cup finals in 2010 and will have watched that game in Zagreb on TV last week and realised the situation. He needs to be a man about the decision.

There is no bigger fan than me of Gerrard. But if Capello claims he does not pick teams on reputations then this is a big test of that philosophy.

The opposition for the next game does ease the dilemma a little if we’re honest.

Gerrard wants to play and win every game of course, but is missing out on playing Kazakhstan a real blow?

They will probably have Borat in midfield because they haven’t exactly got the biggest pool of talent.

As club managers we have to make these decisions almost every week and Capello has dealt with enough superstars in his time to be able to handle it.

The England fans will understand the decision.

In fact they may even give Capello a bit of credit for being brave enough to stick with his winning team even though one of his best players is now knocking on the door again.

HARRY REDKNAPP was talking to ANDREW DILLON