England manager Roy Hodgson has said that Steven Gerrard should be proud of leading England to the 2014 World Cup.

Liverpool's Gerrard capped a 2-0 win over Poland with a late goal that guaranteed the Three Lions' place in next year's Finals in Brazil and Hodgson has been full of praise for his skipper today.

"Everyone looks up to Steven as he's such a good player," Hodgson told reporters. "He doesn't have to scream and shout, all he has to do is do what he does. He's very, very supportive of all the players, he encourages them and urges them on. He's not a screamer or shouter but he does talk to the players.

"He, perhaps more than anybody, should be really proud of this World Cup qualifying campaign.

"He's going to be desperate to make sure that when he leaves Brazil, he'll have memories of not only a good qualifying campaign, but memories of a good World Cup campaign."

England will find out who they are to play in the group stage on December 6.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre