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Steven Gerrard has described England's World Cup youngsters as "scary".

The England captain is tipping the likes of Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw to impress in Brazil after being selected by Roy Hodgson.

"Hopefully they have that no-fear factor and they can go there and enjoy themselves," said Gerrard.

"A lot of the young players have been fantastic this season and I am sure the manager wants them to continue that over in Brazil."

Gerrard added that the more experienced members of Hodgson's 23-man squad will make it their responsibility to "take some pressure off" and "look after" the junior players.

This summer's World Cup will be Gerrard's third - and second as captain - after he replaced the injured Rio Ferdinand in 2010.

"It would be very stupid and naive of me to stand here and say we're going to win it," said the Liverpool midfielder, 33, speaking at the gala dinner.

"What I can guarantee is that we will go there and give 100%.

"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."

England's first match against Italy on 14 June will take place in the city of Manaus in the Amazon jungle, but goalkeeper Joe Hart is refusing to let weather conditions be an excuse for any potential shortcomings.

"It's going to be hot out there, we're just going to have to deal with it," said the 27-year-old Manchester City player. "No excuses when we're out there, it's only weather.

"I am going to go there to try and win every game. If you win every game you win the World Cup. You can't go in accepting failure or defeat."

England also face Group D games against Uruguay on 19 June and Costa Rica on 24 June.