England boss Roy Hodgson has said that he hopes Steven Gerrard continues his international career beyond next summer's World Cup.
The Liverpool midfielder has hinted that the tournament in Brazil is likely to be his last for the Three Lions, fuelling rumours that he is ready to step down from international football next year.
"It is easy for players to talk about retiring in a year's time," Hodgson told reporters. "I have fallen into that trap myself on several occasions. When the time rolls around, you realise you don't actually want it.
"Let's wait and see with Steven. I know he gives these interviews and people write these things but I just bat them off.
"The most important thing is for England to be at the World Cup. Then I am rather hoping Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard will still be available. If afterwards, for some reason, they aren't, we will re-assess."
Gerrard has earned 105 caps for England since making his debut in 2000.
Sam Hughes
