Steven Gerrard is determined to make his mark at the World Cup and plans to be leaving Germany with a winner's medal hanging around his neck.

The England midfielder is relishing the prospect of playing against Paraguay on Saturday and says he is so excited that it "feels like Christmas".

Gerrard has won many plaudits since scoring a brace in Liverpool's triumph in the FA Cup final in May and says he is now out to prove his supporters right.

He said: "This is the biggest stage for any football. Luckily, I have been successful through out my career.

"I am 26 now and don't know whether I will have the opportunity to play in another World Cup, so I have to make sure I deliver at this World Cup and get a winner's medal.

"It has been flattering for the likes of Pele to pay me compliments and hopefully this will be the perfect opportunity to deliver on this stage."