Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects the 33-year-old England midfielder to make a decision on his future with the Three Lions after this summer’s tournament in Brazil
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects Steven Gerrard to make a decision on his international future after this summer’s World Cup.
Gerrard, who turns 34 on May 30, could finish his England career after leading his nation at Brazil 2014.
But a strong Premier League campaign as a deep-lying midfielder may yet prolong Gerrard’s career at both club and international level.
And Rodgers believes discussions about Gerrard’s England future can wait until after the showpiece event in June and July.
“He’s coped really well with balancing both (club and international commitments). That will be a decision purely for him,” Rodgers said.
“He keeps himself fit – every player at Liverpool has an individual plan – but what will be will be after the World Cup.
“He goes there in great form, and I am sure he will perform really well. If he ever asked my advice, I will always be there to give my opinion.
“But there will be no decision made now, and we will see what happens after the World Cup.”
Rodgers insists it was always his intention to move Gerrard into a deeper role, and that it was only a question of timing the switch right.
“I sat with Steven when I first came in, two years ago. And I said that this was my vision for him prolonging his career. I felt he had the real quality to play in that role,” Rodgers added.
“After that, it was only about timing really. It was about when we put him in that position. And probably halfway through the season, once I had the players fit that could move and work around him, we changed him and from then he’s been outstanding.
“Steven’s a really intelligent player. He’s played really as a more attacking player all his life but he’s dropped back into that role.
“It’s still a playmaking position, and he’s started off a number of our attacks from there. And for him to finish the season like he did was incredible.
“He goes into the World Cup in great form, and he will be strong next year as well I am sure.”