Torres: Stevie as good as Messi

Fernando Torres today warned his Spanish teammates of the threat Steven Gerrard poses to their World Cup hopes - insisting the Liverpool captain is every bit as good as the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Having forged a prolific strike partnership with Gerrard at Anfield, Torres is well acquainted with the mercurial talent of the England international.

"There are maybe five players at the World Cup who can win a big game on their own - Stevie is one of them," said El Nino.

"He's in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, that's how good he is."

England will begin their World Cup campaign against the USA on June 12, with many still discussing in which position Gerrard will be best utilised by coach Fabio Capello.

Torres, however, is in no doubt where he believes the Reds' No.8 should be deployed by the Three Lions.

He said: "I prefer it when he plays further forward for England and supports Rooney. That is when England look at their most dangerous.

"Rooney and Stevie must have big tournaments. If they do then England should be very much feared."