Real Madrid ace Kaka admits his favourite player is Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard is missing for England ahead of their friendly with Kaka's Brazil this Saturday.

Kaka told the Guardian: "England have always had individually strong players and I am a huge fan of Stevie Gerrard, who has the heart of a lion and is the icon of the modern footballer with his ability to attack and defend so well."

He added: "The World Cup is a competition in which everything needs to work for your advantage. Players need to be fit, decisions have to go in your favour and details such as a red card can cost a team dearly. I have no doubts that England can do it."