Gerrard was considered as Fabio Capello's on-the-pitch leader when the Italian was appointed and is now expected to be vice-skipper after John Terry was stripped of leadership duties.

The 29-year-old Gerrard feels there is no difference between performing as a captain or as part of the starting XI.

"When I play for England, when I'm not captain, I still approach it exactly the same as if I am captain and I try and go out there and lead by example, so I can help my team-mates and do the right thing," he told FIFA.com.

"So, although it is nice to be captain and it's a privilege, you approach the game exactly the same with an armband on or off."

The captaincy issue has been a disruption to England's preparations for the World Cup in South Africa in the summer.

Capello and senior World Cup officials yesterday visited the training facilities at Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus.

FIFA are scheduled today to announce where the 32 countries will be based for this summer's tournament, with Capello previously raising concerns about the pitches at the site near Sun City in the north-west of the country.

The construction of the 82-room hotel on the complex is yet to be completed but Niall Carroll, CEO of Royal Bafokeng Holdings who own the facilities, insists the project will be delivered on schedule.

That was the message conveyed to Capello when he looked at the work completed.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke, World Cup chief organiser Danny Jordaan, South Africa FA president Kirsten Nematandani and Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou were also shown around during the day.

Carroll said: "Following the visits, we are confident that the Bafokeng Sports Campus will be ready and thoroughly tested in time for the World Cup.

"Construction remains on schedule and the primary pitches will be comparable to that of the Bafokeng Sports Palace, rated as one of the best in the country.

"We continue to work closely with the FA, FIFA and MATCH (a logistics company for FIFA), and remain confident the Bafokeng Sports Campus will meet the highest standards in every area."

The England boss is attending FIFA's Team Workshop at the Sun City resort close to Rustenburg, along with 18 other national coaches, to discuss aspects of organisation at the tournament starting on June 11.

Other coaches attending include Algeria'sRabah Saadane and Slovenia'sMatjaz Kek, who Capello will be up against in Group C in just over three months.