Steven Gerrard has spoken of his pride at being England's 10th World Cup captain.

Gerrard has followed Billy Wright, Johnny Haynes, Bobby Moore, Mick Mills, Bryan Robson, Peter Shilton, Terry Butcher, Alan Shearer and David Beckham in leading England at the finals.

The Liverpool midfielder has willingly stepped into the role after Rio Ferdinand's knee ligament injury ruled him out and is using it as extra motivation to do himself justice in South Africa.

Gerrard said: "I'd heard there had only been nine previous England captains at the World Cup and it gives me some extra motivation, extra drive.

"I want to be a successful captain. I want to lead the boys as far as I can in this tournament.

"You stop it being a burden by enjoying it and I think the people around me won't allow me it be a burden.

"I've got to use it as a motivation rather than a burden."

Gerrard was the first captain of the Fabio Capello era, for the friendly international against Switzerland at Wembley.

The 30-year-old believes he will not be any different in terms of the way he skippers the side compared to that 2-1 success in Feb 2008.

He said: "I am not going to change as a leader compared to the way I do the job at Liverpool.

"I go out and try to lead by example on the pitch. I am not a loudmouth off the pitch.

"But, if any of the players want to lean on me or talk to me about anything, or they want me to go to the manager and speak about anything, I am not shy."

Gerrard feels he will come to the fore as a leader in the final minutes ahead of tomorrow evening's opening game with the USA in Rustenburg.

He said: "I think the dressing room will be very lively with an hour to go.

"The coaching staff will be going round with their final bits of information to make sure the preparation is spot on.

"That's when it's my job to make sure the boys are up and ready for it.

"I've also got to make sure that I'm ready to do my job properly.

"I'll also check on the younger lads and make sure they're ready. But the final words will come from the manager."