Rodgers: Gerrard 'to assess' international future after World Cup

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said England captain Steven Gerrard will ponder his international future after this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Gerrard, who has 109 international caps to his name, will lead Roy Hodgson’s men into the World Cup and will be hoping to put this season’s Premier League disappointment behind at the tournament.

The Reds captain turns 34 at the end of the month and his club boss Rodgers has praised his dedication to both club and country.

Rodgers said: “I think he will need to assess it (his international future) after the World Cup. I think it will just be up to him really, he’s fit enough.

“He’s a top professional, so he looks after his body. He is in everyday getting his body right - eats the right foods. His body weight is right on the money. It will just depend because next season will be a big demand.”

Gerrard is joined in the English World Cup squad by four Liverpool teammates, Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and teenage sensation Raheem Sterling, and Rodgers was keen to stress he will not put his talisman under pressure to hang up his international boots after the competition.

“I think he will come (to me) like he has done on a number of occasions and ask advice. If he comes and asks that, I’ll give him an option on it,” said the Reds manager.

“I think it’s a decision he has to make, he has a very clear vision of what he wants to do for Liverpool and he loves playing for England.

“He’ll go (to the World Cup), concentrate on England and see what happens after that.”