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Gerrard ruled out for England

Eriksson: Two major injuries have jeopardised his plans

LONDON, England (CNN) -- England midfielder Steven Gerrard needs surgery on his injured groin and will miss the World Cup.

The loss of the 21-year-old is a bitter blow to England's hopes with major injuries across the midfield. Kieron Dyer is very doubtful after damaging his knee while David Beckham and Nicky Butt are both recovering from injuries.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had feared the worst when Gerrard limped out of Liverpool's last game of the season against Ipswich on Saturday.

Gerrard, who has played for England 10 times, saw a specialist and on Tuesday it was confirmed that he needed an operation.

"The rehabilitation period for this sort of operation is six weeks, so obviously I'm going to miss the World Cup which is a massive disappointment," he said on Liverpool's Web site.

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"However, I need to get myself right as I wouldn't have been able to do myself or the team justice in Japan. In the short term it's a big blow, but I'm only 21 and confident this surgery means I'll be involved in other major tournaments for the national side in the future.

"I want to send all the England lads my best wishes for the tournament and let them know I'll be cheering them on from home. My priority now has to be to get myself fit for the start of next season with Liverpool."

Gerrard had emerged as a key attacking midfielder for England, scoring one of the goals in the 5-1 win in Germany last September which set England on the road to the finals.

Eriksson said: "I am obviously very disappointed for Steven and for England. The important thing now is for Steven to have a successful operation on his groin so he is available for Liverpool and England next season. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Meanwhile the coach, who took his squad to Dubai on Monday for rest and relaxation ahead of the finals, has given Dyer until the end of the week to prove his fitness. (Full story)

The 23-year-old suffered a knee ligament injury when he was fouled by Moroccan Tahar El Khalej during Newcastle's game at on Saturday.

England kick off their campaign against Sweden on June 2. Argentina and Nigeria are the other teams in Group F.

Goalkeepers David Seaman (Arsenal), Nigel Martyn (Leeds), David James (West Ham).

Defenders Danny Mills (Liverpool), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Leeds), Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Martin Keown (Arsenal), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Wayne Bridge (Southampton), Wes Brown (Manchester United).

Midfielders David Beckham (Manchester United), Paul Scholes (Manchester United), Nicky Butt (Manchester United), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Joe Cole (West Ham), Danny Murphy (Liverpool).

Forwards Michael Owen (Liverpool), Emile Heskey (Liverpool), Robbie Fowler (Leeds), Darius Vassell (Aston Villa), Teddy Sheringham (Tottenham).

On standby Trevor Sinclair (West Ham).