Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has advised current boss Roy Hodgson that captain Steven Gerrard should be "wrapped up in cotton wool" to avoid injury ahead of the World Cup.

The Three Lions saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pick up a knee injury in the draw against Ecuador, with the Arsenal player now a doubt for the tournament.

However, Hoddle believes that Hodgson could avoid further injury blows if he protects his skipper.

In a column for William Hill, he wrote: "Roy must have winced when his captain was hurt in an early tackle during the Peru game at Wembley, in the final warm-up game on home soil before heading off to Miami.

"Personally, I wouldn't have risked him for longer than a half, and in fact, wouldn't have even started with him. He needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool and protected like a National Treasure.

"Look at the major worry now circulating around Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It's horrible for the player, horrible for the manager."

England's first game comes against 2006 champions Italy in Manaus on June 14.