Gerrard tags WAGs 'distractions', bans wife from attending FIFA World Cup

England football captain Steven Gerrard has reportedly branded player' wives and girlfriends 'a distraction' and has banned his wife Alex from going to the FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Although boss Roy Hodgson has given the players permission to take WAGs to the tournament, Gerrard has blamed them for falling out in 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and said that they were a 'distraction.

According to the Daily Star, the skipper said that as a result of the bombing out in 2006, he preferred his family to be away from him during the 2010 World Cup so that he could focus on trying to get his form right adding that he would do the same again in Brazil.

Gerrard also said that he does not want daughters Lilly-Ella, Lexie and Lourdes, dragging him and Alex around between the games, adding that he would be too tired to entertain the youngsters in the 'sun-kissed' Brazilian resort.

However, the skipper said that he supports 'homesick' teammates who want their partners their adding that it is a personal decision of the players if they want their families over there.