“Everyone knows he’s a fantastic talent but unfortunately the manager can only pick 23 players.

“We’ve had good news on Wayne getting the all-clear after the scan but it’s a shame because he’s (Defoe) such a wonderful talent.”

The 26-year-old missed training yesterday with a back injury but is confident he will be ready to play Paraguay on Saturday.

“It’s improving all the time – hopefully I can train fully tomorrow,” Gerrard added.

“I’m really excited – it was really had to miss out on 2002, the squad’s buzzing, I’m buzzing.

“I think all the boys are really focussed. The game’s really close now. The training’s really good and we’re going to be ready for Paraguay.

“All the players realise there’s massive expectation back home and the players are really confident we can deliver, we’ve got a really strong team and a really strong squad and I think it’s the first time the manager has had a fully fit squad to pick from.”

Gerrard again dismissed concerns over whether he and Lampard can work together in midfield, adding: “We both are very confident that we can shine at this tournament and it helps us that we’re both clever enough to know that one of us sits when the other bombs on.”