England call would be too early, says Steven Gerrard

Gerrard made his comeback from injury as a substitute against Brighton

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has suggested he should not be named in England's squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro on 7 October.

England manager Fabio Capello will pick his squad for the game on Sunday.

Gerrard, who has played just 25 minutes since returning from a groin injury that kept him out for six months, thinks it will come too soon for him.

The 31-year-old said: "Everyone knows I'm still not 100% match fit. It's probably still a bit too early."

Gerrard made his return earlier this month as a substitute in Liverpool's 2-1 Carling Cup win at Brighton and the midfielder was also a late replacement in last Saturday's 2-1 league win over Wolves.

He is also expected to be on the bench for this weekend's Merseyside derby against Everton.

"I have only probably had two 12-minute games and I'm not really sure how much I'm going to play against Everton," Gerrard stated.

"I don't make the decisions. Those decisions are down to the England manager, whether he picks me or not.

"I'm sure he'll have a discussion with [Liverpool manager] Kenny [Dalglish] and between them they can decide what the right thing is for me.

"In my opinion there are other players out there who are match fit who are probably more suitable for that game, but we'll have to wait and see.

"If I'm called up, I'll deal with it."

Dalglish stressed last week that he hoped Gerrard's international comeback would be carefully managed and that England would be "as intelligent as we have been".

Gerrard, who has won 89 caps for his country, has missed England's last six games - including four qualifiers - since his last international appearance, a 2-1 friendly defeat by France last November.

England are still unbeaten and top of Group G, and will secure their place in the finals if they pick up a point against Montenegro in Podgorica.