England captain Steven Gerrard has not ruled out the side’s chances of success at the 2014 World Cup before his international career comes to an end.

After crashing out at the quarter-final stage of Euro 2012 to Italy on penalties, Gerrard admits that England are currently not one of the favourites and that any triumph is certainly unlikely, but as the qualification campaign begins for the next World Cup in Brazil with a trip to Moldova, he is not ruling anything out at this point.

“You never stop believing in football. Miracles do happen. It’s been proved,” Gerrard told reporters.

“When I speak I’m realistic and honest. At the moment, we’re not one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

“That doesn’t mean you stop believing, working hard to improve, try and learn from the mistakes you’ve made at previous tournaments.

“This team has every chance to improve and get better in the next few years, with players coming through and those players with the experience. We have to have that faith and keep believing.”

The Liverpool midfielder looks set to win his 97th cap for Roy Hodgson’s side in the team’s opener and he concedes that this could be his final international tournament.

He added: “This will be my last World Cup, that’s for sure. I will give it everything.

“I loved being part of the Euros, leading my country and I want to enjoy that again.”