England skipper Steven Gerrard has said that he was "blown away" by the new national football centre, St George's Park.

Gerrard, 32, and his teammates trained at the new hub of English football for the first time today before the centre in Burton-upon-Trent was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Liverpool midfielder Gerrard said that the Three Lions now have no excuse for future under-achievement.

"The place has blown me away. All the lads are buzzing to be here. We're lucky to have facilities like this," he said.

"It's a long-term plan and hopefully it can bring success to the national teams.

"Now we've got the best stadium in the world (Wembley) and the best facilities. We're taking away all the excuses the players might use in the future."

Gerrard and England have two upcoming World Cup qualifiers against minnows San Marino and this summer's European Championships co-hosts Poland.