Italy's Andrea Pirlo tips England World Cup duo Steven Gerrard & Ross Barkley to shine

Andrea Pirlo of Italy during a training session at Coverciano on May 26, 2014 in Florence, Italy.

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has praised England captain Steven Gerrard and young talent Ross Barkley as we edge closer towards England’s first game of the tournament against Pirlo’s Italy.

The Juventus midfielder was speaking to BBC Radio 5 live and when asked about Liverpool midfielder Gerrard was very complimentary.

“He is a great player, he’s been playing at a very high level now for many years. He is an important pillar of England’s team and I’m sure he will have a good World Cup,” said Pirlo.

Gerrard suffered heartbreak in this season’s Premier League Liverpool finished second in the table, behind Manchester City. It represented a tremendous season for both Liverpool and Gerrard personally but he is still yet to win a Premier League medal.

He will start the World Cup in the centre of England’s midfield and it is yet to be confirmed who will start alongside him. Whilst there has been nothing said officially Gerrard has been hinting that this tournament could be his final appearance in an England shirt.

In the interview Pirlo was also asked about Everton attacking midfielder Ross Barkley and again he was effusive in his praise.

“I saw Ross Barkley play in the summer when we played Everton during a friendly in America. He made a big impression.”

Barkley has been a revelation this season under Roberto Martinez and there are some calls for Roy Hodgson to start the midfielder against Italy.