Gerrard's early season form has been criticised by the media despite being affected by a calf injury but Eriksson has already consulted his Liverpool counterpart to assess the midfielder's condition.

"The only problem we have had is that Steve has been injured," said Sven.

"He has not played as well as he can. I did speak to (Liverpool manager) Rafael Benitez about the situation and he was worried too, but I was happy to pick Steven for the recent games.

"He is one of the best players in the world and you hope those players can do a job for you. We did not win the last game, but that does not mean I would not pick Steven, and others, again.

"I still believe these are the best group of players we have and that they can do a job for us in qualifying for the finals."

Eriksson also thinks that Gerrard can be a key player for England and is impressed by his versatility.

"He does not have any problems with playing in different roles," said Eriksson. "It works for Liverpool, sometimes even within the same game. He can play second striker, wide left, wide right or where he is needed and that makes him a complete player.

"Whenever I talk to Steven he says he is happy wherever he plays. There is not a problem. Steven Gerrard is a player who always knows what he has to do on the pitch, even if he has not been told.

"It is important we should be able to play in different ways, especially going into a big tournament."