Brendan Rodgers hints at Steven Gerrard's international retirement after World Cup

Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has indicated that he expects Steven Gerrard to retire after the World Cup in Brazil next year.

The Liverpool and England captain has 107 caps for England has been selected in the squad to face Chile and Germany next week.

Speaking on Gerrard and Brazil, the former Swansea City manager said: “I think it’s something he will assess and look at. If you go to a World Cup in Brazil at 34 years of age you might not have many more championships left in you. Very few players do. I can think of [Javier] Zanetti and [Paolo] Maldini who have played on late but it’s rare. It will be Steven’s decision but I’m sure in these years now he’ll want to maximise every cap, every performance and every minute on the pitch he can, and that’s what he’s trying to do.”

Rodgers also said that he would like Gerrard to get some rest and that he’d prefer his captain playing a bit part role in the tow friendlies next week.

“I think it [resting Gerrard] is something that Roy has looked at for these games but Steven is a real talisman for the group. He is real leader for the team and everyone there. Whether he plays in the two friendlies or not is another matter. There are absolutely times when you can rest him and I think that is important for him,” Rodgers added.