Former England captain Steven Gerrard has urged them to seize the moment in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Sweden.

A win for Gareth Southgate‘s team would mark the Three Lions’ most successful World Cup campaign in 28 years and set up a tie with Croatia or Russia in the last four.

Gerrard, who was part of the 2006 squad that went out to Portugal on penalties in the quarter-finals, thinks England have a good chance of making history.

“I am excited and confident they can go and deliver again,” the new Rangers boss said. “I thought the mentality and the spirit they showed in the last game (against Colombia) was fantastic.

“They have got the country absolutely buzzing and now the pressure is starting to snowball.

“Now they have to stay calm and keep doing exactly what they’ve been doing because they look exciting and the dark horses in the competition.

“They have got a hell of a chance and I don’t think us as a nation will get a better chance of going all the way to the final, so I hope they grasp it.

“I wish them every bit of luck.”

He added: “I have been really impressed with how they handle themselves and I really hope they go all the way.

“I think it would be fantastic for everyone.”