0:44 Rangers manager and former England captain Steven Gerrard praises the blend and balance of Gareth Southgate's squad at the World Cup Rangers manager and former England captain Steven Gerrard praises the blend and balance of Gareth Southgate's squad at the World Cup

Former England captain Steven Gerrard says Gareth Southgate's side have a fighting chance of winning the World Cup in Russia.

Gerrard was appointed Rangers manager at the end of last season and is currently in Malaga with his new squad for a pre-season training camp ahead of his first season in senior management.

The ex-Liverpool and LA Galaxy midfielder, who captained England at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, says he will be watching England when they take on Tunisia on Monday night.

He believes England have a fighting chance of winning the tournament despite not being one of the favourites and is optimistic the players will make their fans proud.

Gerrard captain Roy Hodgson's England side at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

He told Sky Sports News: "I think they have a fighting chance. I like what Gareth is doing and I like the blend and balance of the team.

"It is a big ask to say they are going to go and win it or they are the favourites - especially because of what has gone before.

"But I do have a lot of optimism and confidence in the boys that they can make the country proud, which is the main thing."

0:35 Former England midfielder Joe Cole tells Sky Sports News why he is especially excited about Three Lions' chances at the World Cup Former England midfielder Joe Cole tells Sky Sports News why he is especially excited about Three Lions' chances at the World Cup

There has been less expectation on the current England squad compared to previous tournaments but Gerrard says that will all change as soon as the first ball is kicked in Volgograd on Monday night.

He added: "There hasn't been much [expectation] in the build-up but a soon as a ball is kicked all that pressure and expectation will come on you naturally."