England captain Steven Gerrard is enjoying his role as an elder statesman in the World Cup squad bound for Brazil.
Gerrard will lead the Three Lions out in their final warm-up match against Honduras and is delighted manager Roy Hodgson has selected a squad brimming with young players trying to make their mark on the world’s biggest stage.
Asked about the younger players, the Liverpool midfielder explained: “They’re loving being out with us and are growing every day. They are going to give the manager selection problems and I wouldn’t want to be in his position.
England v Honduras
World Cup warm-up
Sun Life Stadium, Miami
9.45pm Saturday 7 June 2014
Live on ITV1
“One of my roles is to look out for the younger lads and put my arm around them when needed - it was same for me when I was a young England player.
“It’s about the whole 23-man squad and we will all support each other.
“The preparation has gone very well and the heat out here in Miami been very good in helping us get used to the heat we will have to cope with in Brazil, even though it will be hotter there.”
Gerrard also predicted a full-blooded match against Honduras, telling his team-mates they should not fear picking up an injury.
He added: “We still have a while to go [before the World Cup starts], but hopefully we will come through this game with a good performance, a win and no more injuries.
“This is the time for no stupid tackles in training, but in the game there will be no holding back.
“That will be the case against Honduras as we want confidence going into the [opening World Cup] match against Italy.”
