The FA have played down critical comments made by England boss Fabio Capello of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

The coach's comments came in response to an interview by Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, who said he modelled himself on Gerrard.

Capello replied by saying: "Let's hope he doesn't want to imitate Gerrard in every way, especially his recent behaviour."

However, an FA spokesman told the Daily Telegraph that the remark was merely "off the cuff" and not intended as criticism.