Ahead of Friday’s draw, England are seeded in pot one along with Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Holland, Germany, Italy and hosts South Africa. Get all the BestPrice betting here.

Steven Gerrard believes that all the World Cup contenders should fear meeting England in the finals in South Africa.

England have been named among the top seeds for Friday’s draw and Liverpool midfielder Gerrard believes they deserve their place as one of the strongest sides in the tournament.

“It can only be to our advantage being seeded. I don’t think we can be afraid of anyone,” Gerrard told Talksport.

“We’ll certainly respect anyone we come up against but, for me, I think it’s time other teams started fearing us.

“We’re going there full of confidence, we are a very good team. We’ve still got a lot to learn but, the way we’re playing, we’re a match for most teams.

“I feel my England performances have improved under Capello because I’m going out there without the fear.

“He’s got the team playing without fear, without that weight of expectation upon our shoulders.”

Brazil and Spain, who have beaten England in friendly encounters this year, are favourites for the World Cup, but Gerrard is confident they can turn the tables if they meet again in South Africa.

“Brazil and Spain have beaten us this year,” added Gerrard.

“But in those games there’s not been much in it. In a one-off game I’m confident we can turn those teams over.”

Ahead of Friday’s draw, England are seeded in pot one along with Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Holland, Germany, Italy and hosts South Africa. Get all the BestPrice betting here.

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