Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has urged England fans to get behind Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole.

He said: "As a player and as Ashley's England team-mate, I hope what happened against Kazakhstan has all been forgotten about because it was just a simple mistake.

"I hope every player gets a good reception and that the fans get behind all the players. It will certainly help us as a team.

"Ashley is a top-quality left-back and on top form is possibly the best in the world. He is very important to this team and is going to be for many more years which is another important reason why the fans should get behind him."