Steven Gerrard is hoping that England can cause a surprise at the World Cup next year but has told the fans to keep their expectations realistic.

The Three Lions skipper scored the second goal as they earned a 2-0 win over Poland at Wembley on Tuesday night, which means that they qualify for Brazil next summer as winners of Group H.

While he played down his side's chances of winning the tournament outright, Gerrard feels that England can do better than what many think they're capable of.

"The opportunity is there," Gerrard told reporters. "I have said all week there is a good confidence and belief in the group, but at the same time we are going to keep ourselves grounded and stay humble.

"It is important now that it does not flip and everyone thinks we are going to go and win the World Cup, that we are favourites and everyone gets carried away.

"What is important is we have shown everyone we are a good team. We have not felt sorry for ourselves when we have had criticism, we have rolled ourselves up, tried to work hard and put it right. It is a great feeling to be in Brazil and hopefully we can go in with a little less pressure on ourselves and surprise a few."

Gerrard returns to the field with Liverpool at the weekend when they travel to Newcastle United.