England captain Steven Gerrard has revealed that he prefers to be without his wife and children during major tournaments because they become a "distraction".

The Liverpool star will lead the Three Lions out in Brazil when they open their World Cup campaign against Italy in Manaus next Saturday.

While manager Roy Hodgson has decided against banning the players' wives and girlfriends from travelling to South America, Gerrard is planning to interact with his wife Alex and three daughters Lilly-Ella, 10, Lexie, eight and two-year-old Lourdes via Skype.

In an interview with thepfa.com, Gerrard said: "What I've learned over the years is that it's better to go to these tournaments without your family.

"Some players are different and prefer to have their family there, but for me I see it as a bit of a distraction – no disrespect to Alex and the kids, but after a long training session or a tough game I don't want to be getting dragged from pillar to post having to entertain three kids."

The England squad are currently in Miami to prepare for the tournament.