Steven Gerrard: 'England will adopt bold approach against Italy'

Steven Gerrard has insisted that England will adopt a bold approach when they take on Italy in their World Cup opener.

There has been plenty of speculation about the pitch and conditions in Manaus, but Gerrard believes that there are no problems as they prepare to take the game to their Group D rivals on Saturday night.

"We'll stick to our plan and make it difficult for Italy," the England captain told reporters in his pre-match press conference. "We'll be brave and bold in attack.

"Obviously it's warm and it's going to be a tough game. But we're going to be fine and I'm sure we'll be able to cope. I've just been on the pitch and it's totally fine. The grass is a perfect length."

Gerrard's comments come a day after James Milner insisted that the heat was not an issue for the England squad.