Gerrard ruled out of friendly against Ireland

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of England’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland at the end of the month.

Liverpool confirmed yesterday the midfielder will have an operation on his left shoulder this week which will rule him out of the final games of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign as well as England’s Wembley date with Giovanni Trapattoni’s men and the friendly against Brazil on June 2.

Gerrard is expected to return in time for Liverpool’s pre-season programme.