Gerrard expects maximum World Cup points

England midfielder Steven Gerrard has called on his team to make sure they collect six points from their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.

The Liverpool skipper believes that England will have “one foot there” in regard to World Cup qualification in 2006 if maximum points are collected from both games starting with Northern Ireland at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"We're in pole position. If we can get six points, I think we'll have one foot there," Gerrard said.

"We don't want it to be the same as for the Euro 2004 finals, when everything rested on the last qualifying game."

In that qualifying campaign England had to beat Turkey away from home to book their place at Euro 2004 in Portugal.

While showing respect to Saturday’s opponents, Gerrard said his team expects to win but that they wouldn’t show any complacency.

"I think the draw was kind to us but we have to prove that we are favourites by winning games.

"Obviously when you're big favourites and you're playing a team that are underdogs, there's a risk that you can become a bit complacent and take them a bit lightly.”

Gerrard is likely to line up alongside David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole in a four man midfield for Saturday’s game which kicks off in front of a 67,000 full house at 3pm.

(MB)