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Steven Gerrard has backed Jack Wilshere to become the best in the world.

England captain Gerrard will face five-time World Cup winners Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday firmly believing the young Arsenal midfielder can develop into a player so good it is “scary”.

Gerrard will start alongside Wilshere for the first time against the hosts of next year's World Cup in the glamour friendly, and the Liverpool legend believes the ­21-year-old can help guide England to the finals.

“I think he’s got the potential to become one of the best in the world,” said Gerrard.

“I don’t want to add any pressure. That’s unfair. But playing against him recently and in training, he’s a one-off. He's a lot better than your normal Premier League midfielder. I have a lot of confidence in him."

Brazil, hosts of the 2014 tournament, boast a side packed with talent including Ronaldinho, Neymar, Oscar and Paulinho, but Gerrard insists Wilshere will be comfortable in that company.

The England captain said: "He's got a bit of everything, he can tackle, get up and down the pitch, create a goal, score a goal, can pass. He can tick almost every box, and he's going to get better and better. He's only 21 and a fantastic talent. We're all delighted he's back and happy to play with him.

"I hope he brings out the best in all of us. He's a top player and I hope he gives the dressing room a lift. We need competition for places if we're going to get to Brazil. All over the pitch, there's good competition for places."

Gerrard says Wilshere can deal with the pressure and level of expectation but he also believes that his 17 month injury lay-off will only add to his determination to reach the top.

"He's been frustrated at the amount of football he's missed," said Gerrard. "There's nothing worse than missing a year of football. He wants to make up for lost time.

"You have to give credit to his club manager as well, and he'll come back to top form. And he'll get better, and better than he is now. Which is a scary thought.

"He looks as if he can cope with the pressure. You've still got the likes of Rooney, Lampard and Cole, other top players in the group, and we'll share the responsibility out. It's up to us to put our arms round him and make sure you lot don't put too much pressure on him."

Our South American football expert Euan Marshall looks at how Big Phil's boys will play at Wembley.

* TOM INCE gave Brendan Rodgers two more reasons why he was wrong not to snap him up last month, writes Ian Baker.

The Blackpool forward scored a brace – his first strikes at Under-21 level – as Stuart Pearce’s young Lions made it seven straight wins by beating their Sweden counterparts 4-0.

Ince stayed at Bloomfield Road in the transfer window despite huge interest from a host of top clubs, including Rodgers’ Liverpool.

He gave England a 10th- minute lead by firing home from close range following a cross by the impressive Adam Smith.

Ince scuffed another Smith cross for Jonjo Shelvey (above) to fire in off the bar on the half hour.

And Ince scored his second goal in the 42nd minute after he was fouled in the box by Filip Helander.

On-loan Middlesbrough midfielder Josh McEachran’s spot kick was saved by Andreas Linde but Ince was on hand to put in the rebound.

Substitute Connor Wickham completed a comfortable England victory when he headed in Henri Lansbury’s cross after 77 minutes.

Pearce is backing Ince to emulate his England international father Paul.

He said: "We hope he's going to be better than his dad. He's got clever movement and is your typical modern-day winger. He's very level-headed, doesn't get tired or injured and is a pleasure to work with."