Stevie's the answer

Sensible fellow, that Sven bloke. The England coach is considering using Steven Gerrard in Wayne Rooney's roving striker role at the World Cup.

With Rooney likely to miss the tournament due to a foot injury Eriksson is short of strike options, but Gerrard reminded him of his potential as an attacking player with two superb goals in Liverpool's FA Cup final success against West Ham.

Pushing the Liverpool captain up front would also give Eriksson the option to make a change to the England midfield, which has not functioned as well as expected in recent times because of the failure of Gerrard and Frank Lampard to develop an understanding.

However, the changes depend on the results of Rooney's next scan on May 25.

"I've known for many years Steven Gerrard can play a lot of positions and one is second striker," said the Swede.

"I'm sure he could also play as a first striker, and he's also excellent at right-back.

"It depends a lot on what's going to happen with Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

"We haven't decided yet where we're going to use him (Gerrard).

"After May 25 we will know much better what is going to happen with Wayne Rooney. I hope we play Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen up front but Steven Gerrard is an option there."