Gerrard considers England future

Captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that the upcoming World Cup in Brazil could be his last tournament in England colours.

The Liverpool midfielder will skipper England in Brazil and says he will make a quick decision after it ends whether or not to continue his international career.

Gerrard believes England can spring a surprise at a tournament but the midfielder, who turns 34 next week, insists no decision has been made yet.

"I'm not going to leave anyone hanging," Gerrard said. "Don't worry, as soon as the World Cup is over I'll sit down with the manager at the right time and I'll make the decision.

"I can be open and honest with you now that I haven't made that decision because I haven't had the chance to chat with the manager at length over it.

"But I'll be chatting to (Liverpool manager) Brendan Rodgers, Roy Hodgson and a few important people around me whose opinion I respect, players I've played with. I'll chat to them all and make the right decision at the right time.

"It will be very close after the World Cup I'll make that decision.

"It does to depend on how the World Cup goes, how I perform, how the team performs. Am I still going to be wanted after the World Cup? These are all the questions we'll have to sit down and answer.

"I won't stay around if I'm not wanted. I hope I perform to the level where I am wanted and I've got that difficult decision to make."

Gerrard is fast closing on David Beckham as the most-capped outfield player in England's history.

He is only six caps away from Beckham's record of 115, which he would equal by featuring in all of England's pre-tournament friendlies and group-stage matches.

"It is a target but it's not a very important one," Gerrard said. "It's not one I've thought about a lot but I have thought about it.

"To get close to David Beckham, to match him, or to go ahead of him would be an unbelievable achievement.

"He's a hero of mine, I was lucky enough to play with him. He's a top role model and a top player as well.

"I have thought about it and it would be very nice from a personal point of view. But you guys know me well enough now to know what my targets are and that's to get out of this group.

"It's a tough group, every game is going to be tough but I believe and I'm confident that we're capable of getting out of it."

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