Gerrard cools expectations

Steven Gerrard has called for England’s fans to be realistic regarding the nations chances at next summer’s World Cup, the Telegraph understands.

The Liverpool captain helped book the Three Lions place in Brazil with a late goal against Poland to secure a 2-0 win at Wembley, and top spot in Group H.

Gerrard, along with Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are the only players who remain from the so called ‘Golden Generation’ that largely failed to live up to expectations.

That clutch of players, which also included the likes of David Beckham and Michael Owen, reached three successive quarter finals before disbanding, and the three veterans of the current squad are likely to bow out after next summer.

Meanwhile, fellow Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson is keen to force his way back into Roy Hodgson’s thoughts after failing to make his latest few squads, TalkSport understands.

The 23 year old has not featured for the senior squad since coming on as an extra-time substitute in the Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat to Italy.
Elsewhere, Valencia are considering a loan move for defender Tiago Ilori, according to the Mail Online.

The 20 year old is yet for feature for the Reds since signing from Sporting in August.