Javier Mascherano says England must build their team around Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.

"If you have a player like Gerrard then you need to make a team around him," he said.

"I can't see Lampard in every training session but from what I see and know about Gerrard I think he is the best. He's the most complete player in England.

"He can play in front, wide, in the middle and can defend. And he can score big goals. He can do a lot of functions for the team.

"Stevie gives a lot of options to the manager and that is why he is the best - he is the most complete player.

"Steve is also a real leader in the dressing room and on the pitch."