Wednesday 16 October 2013 16:01, UK
Roy Hodgson will use England's remaining friendlies this season to give his younger players a chance to impress ahead of the World Cup.
Captain Gerrard also wants England to remain grounded and hopes the expectations of a nation can be kept in balance as the squad look towards making an impact in Brazil next summer. "The opportunity is there. I have said all week there is a good confidence and belief in the group, but at the same time we are going to keep ourselves grounded and stay humble," he said. "It is important now that it does not flip and everyone thinks we are going to go and win the World Cup, that we are favourites and everyone gets carried away. "What is important is we have shown everyone we are a good team. "We have not felt sorry for ourselves when we have had criticism, we have rolled our sleeves up, tried to work hard and put it right. "It is a great feeling to be in Brazil and hopefully we can go in with a little less pressure on ourselves and surprise a few." England are 22/1 outsiders to win in Brazil - eighth in the pecking order, with the host nation the 100/30 favourites ahead of 5/1 trio Germany, Argentina and Spain. Belgium (14/1), Italy (16/1) and Holland (20/1) are all priced shorter than England, who have now qualified for five consecutive World Cups. Sky Bet football trader Chris Spicer said: "We are currently top price at 22/1 about England winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil ahead of the draw on December 6th, where they are expected to be among the second seeds." He added: "Now that qualification is assured the focus will be on who will make Hodgson's final 23-man squad for the tournament. "Andros Townsend was 12/5 to be on the plane after being named in the latest squad but having impressed in his first two caps he's now deemed likely to go at 8/15. "Others are either on the verge of breaking through, such as Raheem Sterling who is 7/2 to make the squad, or a veteran like Jermain Defoe (3/1) who will be hoping experience can win him a spot."
