Gerrard admits he may have to put the frustration of this year's championship race behind him as he looks ahead to two crucial World Cup qualifiers for his country in June. But he is being inspired by the memories of England glory days of old.

Back in 1966 England won their only World Cup - and it came only weeks after Liverpool had been crowned champions in the league.

England and Liverpool striker Hunt famously picked up both medals and a similar double next year would make Gerrard the happiest man on the planet.

"Roger was a fantastic player," reflected the midfielder, who was speaking on a visit to Christ the King school in his childhood town of Huyton on behalf of England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society.

"It's a bit before my time but my dad has certainly made me aware of how good Roger was.

"If I can go on and emulate what he achieved in 1966 next year, you will certainly see a happy Steven Gerrard come the end of the World Cup! It would be the best year of my career without a doubt."

The longer time passes with no-one to step in for the heroes of 66, the more distant the actual prize seems to get.

Seeing the aura Sir Bobby Charlton still attracts proves any success enjoyed at club level is eclipsed by England.

Yet, as Liverpool seem certain to reach 19 years without the championship and Manchester United stand on the brink of equalling their record of 18 triumphs, Gerrard feels it is time to be a little bit greedy.

"To win the league and then go on and win the World Cup, that's what dreams are made of," he said.

"There's a lot of hard work and a lot of hurdles to get over before I can achieve that.

"But it is certainly the ambition and the dream. And I think it's possible."

In terms of his club football, Gerrard has been outstanding this season, being named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for his consistent contribution to Liverpool's most effective campaign since they last finished top in 1990.

With United needing only a point from their final two games to be crowned champions, Gerrard knows the odds are stacked against the Merseysiders, even if he is not prepared to throw in the towel just yet.

But it is clear Gerrard will be competing for honours with both club and country next year because England will have one foot in South Africa next month if they beat Kazakhstan and Andorra in a double-header that is not expected to end in disappointment.

"We have got the potential to do it with England," he said.

"Our players are good enough to be successful at any level. But it is important we don't raise expectations too high because it is not so long ago this team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

"We have to take each game as it comes. But it is certainly in there, we just have to bring it out.

"As for Liverpool, if I can go on to be involved in another title race and maybe try and go one better and win it then it would be a fantastic feeling too.

"Then obviously I can take that confidence into the World Cup."