Steven Gerrard turned 33 back in May Photo: Back Page Images

Jan Molby has tipped England captain Steven Gerrard to retire from international football after next summer’s World Cup.

The 33-year-old Three Lions midfielder is expected to skipper England at a World Cup for the second occasion in Brazil next June.

Gerrard, who has 107 Three Lions caps, has enjoyed a return to form over the past 15 months at club level under new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

And Molby, who won three top-flight titles with the Reds, reckons Gerrard will end his England career next summer in order to maintain his high level of performances for Liverpool.

“I don’t think he will play on after the World Cup finals. Steven has alluded to that himself,” Molby told the Daily Star.

“He will want to show his best before slipping away from international football.

“Instead of spreading himself too thin, he can focus on helping Liverpool finish in the top four of the Premier League – whether that is this year or next year.”

Gerrard has scored 21 goals in 107 appearances for England, whilst the midfielder has played at two World Cups and two European championships.