Gerrard Optimism Over Rodgers' Appointment

A relaxed Steven Gerrard said he was looking forward to working under new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers after the European Championships.

Rodgers was confirmed as Kenny Dalglish's successor at Anfield on Friday morning and Gerrard revealed he had been kept updated throughout Fenway Sports Group's search for a new manager.

"I'm looking forward to working with Brendan [Rodgers]. I shared a call with him last night," Gerrard told a press conference ahead of England's final warm-up game against Belgium on Saturday evening.

"Brendan Rodgers was the first choice. I was in the loop all the way through."

Gerrard is one of five Liverpool players in the England squad for Euro 2012, after midfielder Jordan Henderson was called up to replace the injured Frank Lampard.

Henderson has struggled to justify his £20m price-tag in a difficult first season at Anfield but Gerrard insists the 21-year-old, who made his full debut in November 2010 and won only his second cap as a substitute against Norway last Saturday, can fulfil his undoubted potential in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

"Jordan's an exciting player, one for the future and it's a big opportunity for him," said Gerrard.

England welcome Belgium to Wembley for an early evening kick-off on Saturday as manager Roy Hodgson looks to finalise his first-XI for their opening Group D game against France on 11 June.

Ranked 44th in the world, Belgium's lowly status belies a promising set of young players who could trouble England tomorrow night.

Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku will line up alongside new signing Eden Hazard in a potent attack force that also includes Marouane Fellaini. While at the back, Premier League pairing Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen should ensure a torrid evening for Andy Carroll and Ashley Young.

"Belgium are very strong," added Gerrard. "The future is bright for them. As a team we can't just focus on three or four of them, but the whole team.

"He [Hazard is] well known in England. I think Chelsea have done very well to sign a player of his calibre. He has the potential to set the Premier League alight."