However, Hodgson has already helped persuade both Gerrard and Fernando Torres to stay at Liverpool while signing Joe Cole on a free transfer.

And skipper Gerrard is in expectant mood ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener at home to Arsenal.

“It’s a great club and after speaking with Roy Hodgson I’m really pleased to see his plans for the club,” said the midfielder.

“It’s a new era now – we must forget about the horror of what happened last season and get this club back to where it belongs, which is the Champions League at the very least.”

Gerrard was particularly delighted with the capture of Cole and believes his England colleague can

“Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe can do as well, if not better,” said the 30-year-old.

“He used to shock us in training by doing footy tricks with a golf ball that most players can’t even do with a football.

“I really fancy Joe for the (player of the year) award this season.”

Dani Pacheco’s rise through the ranks at Liverpool has been confirmed with the Spanish youngster swapping the number 47 shirt for the number 12 jersey. The forward takes over the number from Fabio Aurelio after the Brazilian opted for the number six shirt on his return to the club.