England captain Steven Gerrard has said that missing the World Cup through injury would "kill" his Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez.
Having underwent a knee operation earlier this week, doubts have been raised over how fit the Uruguayan will be to participate in the competition - and the clash with England on June 19.
Although admitting that Suarez's absence would greatly boost the Three Lions' hopes of victory, Gerrard says that last season's Player of the Year would be devastated to miss the tournament.
He told The Mirror: "I think from a really really selfish point of view it would help England against Uruguay if he wasn't available. Of course it would.
"But knowing Luis as a friend and a team-mate with Liverpool, I know that missing the World Cup would absolutely kill him.
"He's a fighter and he'll do everything he can to be fit but, if not, it can only be a help. He'll understand that!"
England kick off their campaign by facing Italy on June 14.
Shane Callaghan
