England manager Fabio Capello is convinced Rafael Benitez’s exit from Liverpool will not affect Steven Gerrard’s focus ahead of the World Cup.

News of the Spaniard’s departure greeted the England players as they touched down in South Africa on Thursday, but Capello insists it will not hinder his preparations.

“Stevie is okay,” said Capello.

“He has his telephone and the media are here. I know that Liverpool have changed their manager but I don’t think it can disturb him.

“It is another thing. We are focused on the World Cup, not club problems.

“We are focused on training every day and that’s it. We have other problems without thinking about this one.”

The England boss also left the door open for Kenny Dalglish to travel to South Africa to discuss the vacant Anfield hot-seat with both Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, but revealed there had been no approach by Liverpool regarding the issue.

“We have to decide about this and what happens, yes or no,” said the England coach.