Captain Steven Gerrard has issued a World Cup rallying cry ahead of today's clash with Germany by telling his ­team-mates: “You've got to stand up and be counted.”

England's players have been stung by the level of criticism from around the globe after qualifying for the last 16 on the back of three under-par performances.

German legend Franz ­Beckenbauer joined in the ­onslaught, branding England a jaded team only capable of playing kick-and-rush ­football.

But a defiant Gerrard said: “In these games you need to stand up and be counted.

“When you are growing up, you dream about playing at this stage of the World Cup in games like these.

“There could be a big ­moment in the game that could end up defining a ­player's career, so you look forward to the challenge.

“This is a fantastic game to play in.

“We’re all excited and ­looking forward to ­playing in it. I’d love nothing more than to lead these boys into the last eight of a World Cup.

“Experience will help us.

“I’ve been involved in ­massive games throughout my career, so that experience will hold me in good stead.

“There’s a lot of pressure. It’s a tense situation with so much at stake. But it’s not fear, it’s ­excitement.

“We can’t wait to get out there a nd win the game.”

Gerrard picks up his 84th cap today, taking him into the top 10 alongside Ray Wilkins of most England ­appearances.