The future of England captain Steven Gerrard has been heavily speculated in the last few months. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said that Gerrard should consider retiring from international duty after the World Cup 2014. The 34-year-old midfielder is approaching the end of his career, but in order to prolong his career with Liverpool, he may have to retire from England duty. Despite this, national team manager Roy Hodgson says that he is still counting on Gerrard being the captain beyond the World Cup.

Gerrard is one of the few players over the age of 30 to be included in the England squad for the World Cup. He will be joined by Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, who has been named as the vice-captain. One of the experienced players for the national team, Gerrard has made more than 100 appearances in his stellar career. He will be able to match David Beckham’s international record if he plays in a further six matches for the national team. This could potentially be done in the next two months, as England face six certain matches – three friendlies and three group matches.

Gerrard has already been talking about his future in the last few months, with the midfielder suggesting that Jack Wilshere should be named as his successor.

“It would be the wrong time at this moment to start discussing 'what about 2016? What about 2018'. I did at one stage broach the subject with him and he knows I would like him to go on beyond this World Cup because he’s still such a good player with Liverpool and in great form and it would be a disappointment for me if he decides ‘no, that’s enough for me internationally’. He knows what I think but I will choose the right moment to bring it up,” said Hodgson.