Gerrard: Why I'm only focusing on positives

The England captain cut an upbeat and determined figure as he faced the world's media with typical temperament and thoughtful candour on Saturday afternoon.

Flanked by Reds teammate Raheem Sterling at England's training base in Portugal, Gerrard reflected on a season of remarkable progress with his boyhood club.

He spoke of a long-awaited return to the Champions League - a tournament he and his teammates conquered in miraculous fashion nine years ago this weekend.

The 33-year-old pointed to a second-placed finish - the club's highest for five years - which was brought about by a blend of youth and experience combining to keep the country entertained throughout the year.

But Gerrard began by broaching the 2-0 defeat to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea on April 29 - a day which brought Liverpool's stunning 11-game run of victories to a halt in front of a crestfallen Kop.

"I know everyone wants to know what frame of mind I'm in after the slip that happened to me against Chelsea," Gerrard told reporters. "I'm over it. It's gone. I can't change it.

"But of course I was disappointed in it from a personal point of view. The title slipping away from Liverpool with three games to go was a blow.

"But you've also got to look at the positives as well having Champions League football back, finishing second in what is the most difficult league in the world. I can't just focus on one mistake I made over 38 games.

"I'm in a good frame of mind. Everyone's starting to get really excited and looking forward to the World Cup getting started.

"This is the important part, the preparation, making sure you get into peak condition. You try and find your form before that very important game against Italy."

Gerrard is one of five Liverpool players who will journey to South America in time for England's opening Group D clash with the Italians on June 14 in Manaus.

Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and 19-year-old Sterling have all been selected as part of Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad, which includes within its ranks a strong contingent of youngsters eager to make their mark on the greatest stage.

As the team's talisman and one of the squad's most experienced players, Gerrard is happy to provide any pointers to the young stars travelling to Brazil - and he has tipped the likes of Sterling to make an impression at the tournament.

"I was very pleased for Raheem," said the Reds' No.8. "It is always important being an experienced player that you have good young attacking talent in the squad. That you have that no fear and that you are cable to surprise a few out there in Brazil.

"I think the stage is set for Raheem. He has no pressure on him at all. The pressure falls on the experienced players.

"We want the likes of Raheem, Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw to just go there and enjoy it and keep doing what they've been doing for their clubs.

"It's very exciting. The managers have picked a great mix of players. A good mix of players; good experienced players who have been around the block and young players who have had terrific seasons.

"He hasn't picked them because he wants young players on the squad but he's picked them because they are good enough and because they've shown excellent form throughout the Premier League games.

"They are here because they are very talented. They are here on merit."