England captain Steven Gerrard has insisted that he and his teammates feel more positive this year as the World Cup in Brazil edges closer.

The Three Lions will play Honduras in a warm-up match tomorrow in Miami before heading to Rio to open their campaign against Italy in Manaus next Saturday.

Gerrard, who will captain the side, has revealed that the players are in a better mood compared to the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

"It feels different," Gerrard said in a press conference. "The lads are smiling, enjoying training and being together. We were not as confident four years ago, but we will be judged on results and fingers crossed we will perform.

When asked if his approach will change this year, Gerrard replied: "I go and try and perform as best as I can. It is my second World Cup as captain but this time feels for real. I lead by example anyway so nothing changes."

Along with Italy, England will face Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D.