Hodgson has saluted Gerrard’s decision to remain at Liverpool can ensure the team go into the new campaign with a greater competitive edge.

“It’s a great piece of news,” said the manager. “There won’t be anyone in Liverpool today who isn’t delighted to hear that.

“I’m really pleased about it because I’ve got great respect for Steven Gerrard. He’s a player who I was really looking forward to working with when I came to Liverpool. It seems now with that commitment that this will happen.

“It gives everyone a boost without question. It will be a tough season, with a lot of matches and the disappointment of last season is going to take a while to dissipate, but it is very good that our best player is still going to be playing at this club.

“Hopefully with the signing of Joe Cole – and if we are lucky one or two others, to boost the squad – we will be going into this season’s competition maybe stronger on paper than we were last season.”

Addressing his future, Gerrard said in a statement: “I made it clear that I simply needed to concentrate on the World Cup and then have a decent holiday with my family.

“I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately and having done so I’m very impressed with his plans for the future of the team.

“I’ve only returned to training today at Melwood with some of the other World Cup players, but I can’t wait for the new season to start.”