By Craig McWalter
April 15 2002

Chris Waddle believes Steven Gerrard is the man to replace David Beckham if the Manchester United star fails to recover. Chris Waddle believes Steven Gerrard is the man to replace David Beckham if the Manchester United star fails to recover from injury in time for the World Cup.

Former England star Waddle was impressed by Gerrard's performance for Liverpool at Sunderland.

Waddle insists he would have no qualms in naming the Reds midfielder as Beckham's replacement in the England set-up.

He told Liverpool's official website: "I have watched him regularly, and England have a great player.

"When I saw him playing on the right, my immediate reaction was he is an ideal replacement for Beckham.

"There are a lot of variations available, but Gerrard has the flair to play out in that position.

"And he would be a great success because he is a wonderful player.

"He is an all-round footballer and, although he doesn't take people on, he lets the ball do the work.

"He sees the pass early, in fact he has a great range of passes.

"If he stays fit - and I hope he does for England - then he will be one of our best players in the World Cup."