Gerrard is out for England

Steven Gerrard was today definitely ruled out of the World Cup.

The 21-year-old visited a specialist yesterday and scans today confirmed the need for surgery on his groin injury.

He will undergo the operation later this week.

Gerrard said: "The rehabilitation period for this sort of operation is six weeks, so obviously I'm going to miss the World Cup which is a massive disappointment.

"However, I need to get myself right as I wouldn't have been able to do myself or the team justice in Japan.

"In the short term, it's a big blow, but I'm only 21 and confident this surgery means I'll be involved in other major tournaments for Engalnd in the future.

"I want to send all the England lads my best wishes for the tournament and let them know I'll be cheering them on from home.

"My priority now has to be to get myself fit for the start of next season with Liverpool."

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