Steven Gerrard has vowed to overcome his despair at missing the 2002 World Cup by ''showing I can dominate at this level'' during next summer's finals in Germany.

Gerrard had to undergo groin surgery as England bowed out of the last tournament at the quarter-final stage following defeat by Brazil in Japan.

And the Liverpool midfielder admits he still has more to offer at international level as he prepares for the two World Cup qualifiers with Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.

But Gerrard is confident he can have the same impact in 2006 as his hero Paul Gascoigne had in Italia 90 when England reached the semi-finals, and insists Sven Goran Eriksson's side can win the tournament.

Gerrard said: ''I think that if we can get to Germany, then you'll see a different Steven Gerrard at next year's World Cup.

''That will be the perfect stage for me to show to people worldwide that I can dominate at this level.

''I just feel as if I can still offer a bit more at international level.

''The last World Cup was a nightmare situation for me. I had no choice really other than to decide to have surgery on my groin.

''I knew that if I had decided to go to the World Cup you wouldn't have seen the best of me. I know what it's like to miss out on one so hopefully now I can play a big part in this next one.

''The World Cup is different and is there on a pedestal on its own. I've played in massive games in the Champions League and the European Championships - but the World Cup only comes around once every four years and it would be a dream to play in one.''

Gerrard admits Gascoigne's performances during the 1990 World Cup have been a big inspiration during his career.

He said: ''I vaguely remember the 1986 World Cup but the first one that I really watched every game in front of the TV was in 1990 when Gazza was a big hero.

''He was the star of the show. He was consistent throughout the tournament and put in some great performances. That's why he became a hero in England.

''He's still one of my heroes now. It's just nice to say you've been on the same pitch as him and that you've met him.

''If someone would have told me back then that I would have the chance of playing at that level, I wouldn't have believed them.

"Now I want the chance to do in the next World Cup what he did in 1990.''