England captain Steven Gerrard has faith in his side ahead of 2014 World Cup

England captain Steven Gerrard says he is realistic over his side's chances of success at the 2014 World Cup but insists 'miracles do happen'.

Miracles

"This team has every chance to get better in the next few years, with some players coming through and others with the experience. "We have to have that faith and keep believing. "You never stop believing in football. Miracles do happen. It's been proved." Gerrard insists performance and not age should be the ultimate factor in determining who plays during England's qualifying campaign. He added: "You should judge players on performances. It doesn't matter how old they are. "The manager knows who's playing well and who's in form, who deserves to be picked. "You need to be playing well to stay in this team. I remember reading just before the Euros all the journalists who wanted Paul Scholes back in the set-up, and he was 34 at the time. "That gives me a few more years! Frank (Lampard) is a top player. He certainly deserves to be in this set-up. "He's been a top player for a long time and his performances don't seem to be affected to me on him being a year older. "I judge a player on what I see with my eye, not his age."