Youth doesn’t faze Sterling as Gerrard discusses Suarez World Cup absence

Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard are now fully focussed on their preparations for this summer’s World Cup campaign with England.

The pair, along with Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and the rest of the England squad have been training at a camp in Portugal this week.

The tournament begins on Thursday, June 12th in Brazil, with England’s first game against Italy on Saturday, June 14th.

After a stunning season with Liverpool, Sterling has been touted for a starting place in Roy Hodgson’s team, and the 19-year-old isn’t fazed by his young age.

“Now we have to work the England way and do what the England manager wants to do. But we’ll definitely be working together to try to produce that form,” he is quoted in The Guardian as saying.

“I’m just working hard, so anything can happen but I’m not going to say I’m going to do amazing things. I will give 100%. And hopefully what I try will come off.

“I’m not going to put myself under pressure and say I’m going to do what Michael Owen did. I’m just going to work hard for the team.”

Meanwhile Steven Gerrard will be playing his third World Cup tournament and has spoken about the potential of club teammate Luis Suarez being absent from Uruguay’s clash against England on Thursday, June 19th.

“I think from a really, really selfish point of view it would help England against Uruguay if he wasn’t available, of course it would,” the Liverpool and England skipper said.

“But knowing Luis as a mate and a friend and a team-mate, I know that missing World Cup would absolutely kill him.

“I wouldn’t wish an injury on any of my fellow professionals. We’ll have to wait and see. I know he’s a fighter and he’ll do everything he can to be fit.”

England have three World Cup warm-up friendlies before the tournament begins, facing Peru on Friday, May 30th, Ecuador on Wednesday, June 4th and Honduras on Saturday, June 7th.

Which Liverpool players are you most looking forward to seeing playing for their countries at the World Cup this summer? Let us know in the comments section below.