Steven Gerrard tips Raheem Sterling to replace Theo Walcott for England

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that winger Raheem Sterling can fill the void left by Theo Walcott in the England national team.

The Arsenal player will be absent from Roy Hodgson's Three Lions squad for the World Cup in Brazil this summer after suffering a knee injury, which will put him out of action for at least six months.

"I'm obviously disappointed for Theo," Goal.com quotes Gerrard as saying. "There are many candidates to replace him. [Aaron] Lennon's playing well. Andros Townsend, Oxlade-Chamberlain's back.

"But if you are looking at like-for-like, pace down the wing, someone who can make, score and create, then Raheem has got a fantastic chance. He's got all the tools to do it, it's up to him now."

The 19-year-old has figured in Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers's teams of late following a stint during which he struggled for game time.