But the Liverpool captain was only suffering from a bout of cramp caused by his lack of recent training after picking up the toe problem three weeks ago.

Gerrard said: "The toe is fine. There is no reaction. I'm fit for Wednesday no problem. I am really pleased with how the toe is feeling at the moment."

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has been in close contact with Gerrard to assess his fitness.

Gerrard said: "I've been in dialogue with Rafa (Benitez) all week. He has been asking how the toe is but he also congratulated us on the win and the performance against Israel.

"He knows how much I want to play in Wednesday's game."

England's main injury worry remains midfielder Owen Hargreaves and they will be hoping he can resume training this afternoon as he battles a thigh problem.

The Manchester United midfielder was not even named amongst the substitutes to face Israel when his replacement Gareth Barry impressed alongside Gerrard.

Striker Peter Crouch will be back in contention to face Russia after serving a one-match suspension.