Gerrard: There's no harm in dreaming
Steven Gerrard insists England will head into this summer's World Cup finals filled with belief they can go all the way in Brazil.
The Three Lions will ramp up preparations for the tournament on Monday by departing for a training camp in Portugal.
Gerrard acknowledges England are not favourites to lift the trophy - but that isn't going to stop anyone from dreaming about what could be achieved.
"I think (low expectations) can help but there's no harm in dreaming," said the captain. "Us players dream as well, you always say to yourself 'what if', 'what if it does happen' and you prove all the doubters wrong and you go on to have a successful World Cup?
"So there's no harm in dreaming but the reality is that there are a lot of top teams going to this World Cup. It's a very difficult competition but there's excitement and belief in the squad that we can do well.
"It's for real now. It's not far away and the preparations start when we get over to Portugal and do our first training session. There's certainly a lot of excitement and belief in the squad."
Gerrard added: "It would be very stupid and naive of me to stand here and say we're going to win it. What I can guarantee is that we will go there and give 100 per cent.
"There are some top teams around the world all fighting for the same thing, but all we can do is try and stick together, work hard and see if we can prove some doubters wrong."