Soccer: 80 days until World Cup finals

England midfielder Steven Gerrard, born in 1980, is hotly tipped to be one of the stars of this summer’s World Cup.

Despite making only nine appearances for the national side, he has impressed when he has been involved and is almost certain to be a regular member of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side.

Gerrard was part of the team who thrashed Germany 5-1 in a World Cup qualifier last September and scored England’s second goal just before the interval to put them ahead for the first time in the game.

He also played in the 2-2 draw against Greece which ensured England’s passage to the 2002 finals but struggled to produce his best form with the pressure on.

Gerrard made his debut against Ukraine in May 2000 and on the same day was named in England’s Euro 2000 squad.

He replaced Michael Owen during the Euro 2000 first-round match against Germany in June which England won 1-0 thanks to an Alan Shearer header.

Gerrard has been hampered by numerous injuries during his career but is set to line up alongside Manchester United duo David Beckham and Paul Scholes when the finals get under way in Japan and South Korea.