Xavi backs Lampard and Gerrard

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Spain playmaker Xavi is an admirer of England's midfield stars and would not be surprised to see Fabio Capello's side triumph at the World Cup in South Africa.

The Barcelona midfielder picked out Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard as the players who can fire England into the latter stages of the tournament.

He told www.betfairfootball.com: "Lampard and Gerrard, for me, are number one players. I like the way they play because they see football very well, and they score goals and are always prepared to shoot.

"I like them because they play in my position, I notice them more and they are fantastic players."

Spain are the favourites to triumph in South Africa but Xavi believes his country and England are in the same position having consistently underachieved at past tournaments.

He added: "England for me is like Spain. They can be one of the favourites in the World Cup but previously they haven't done much. I think the favourites are the teams who have won it previously.

"England has possibilities, in the players, as well as having Capello. He has demonstrated he is a very good coach wherever he has gone. With Real Madrid he won two leagues and did well in Italy too. The coach is good and the players are too."