Steven Gerrard insists England's players must approach this World Cup as if it were their last.

As he is due to celebrate his 30th birthday at the end of the month, Gerrard is realistic enough to accept there may not be another chance for him to shine at football's top table. With Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard having already passed that milestone - and John Terry and Ashley Cole not far behind - Gerrard feels the added knowledge of time ticking away could benefit England in South Africa this summer.

"The feeling this is our last World Cup has got to be the attitude going into it," said Gerrard.