Gerrard's World Cup dream would be extra special

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Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard says he is desperate to play in the World Cup finals with England and he's keeping his fingers crossed that he will be named in the final 23-man squad.

Gerrard poses by a banner with his name in Japanese and Yoshinori Katayama head of the England world cup camp support committee, earlier today.

Providing he can keep himself fit, Gerrard will of course go as he's one of the best midfielders in the country but he's taking nothing for granted.

"I dreamed of playing in the World Cup like every kid does but I never thought at the age of 21 I'd have the chance to do that," said Gerrard. "Hopefully I can make it into that final squad of 23.

"Being a young, English lad playing for Liverpool is a dream but to play in a World Cup would be extra special.

"Now it's up to me to keep working hard and performing for Liverpool so I can make that final cut. But I'm concentrating fully on Liverpool at the moment, as are all the lads who are hoping to make their World Cup squads."