Steve Gerrard laid down a marker for a serious approach to this year's World Cup in South Africa - by effectively banning his wife from the early stages of the tournament.

The Liverpool star, who is the stand-in captain for tonight's friendly international, outlined the new England attitude last night.

He could hardly have chosen a better way to impress disciplinarian coach Fabio Capello but may not have endeared himself to the national team's WAG supporters.

A WAG circus including Victoria Beckham and the then Coleen McLoughlin descended on the Black Forest town of Baden-Baden during the World Cup campaign four years ago in Germany and was widely criticised for upsetting England's chances of glory.

Gerrard said at a press conference for tonight's Egypt game at Wembley: 'I don't know if having the WAGs there affected our performance last time.

Staying home: Mother-of-two Alex Curran, pictured shopping yesterday in Liverpool, will not be heading to South Africa until the later stages

'I can't tell you that, but my wife won't be there this time, not unless we get to the semis or the final. She's got two kids who'll be in school and it's a long way away. If we get to the semis, she deserves to come and see me.'

He made his comments yesterday as it emerged the now Mrs Rooney will not be going to South Africa either.

The new mum revealed she plans to watch Wayne in action in June at home with their baby son Kai.

Leading by example: Stand-in England skipper Steven Gerrard with his wife, Alex

John Terry's beleaguered wife Toni is also understood to be staying at home with young twins Georgie John and Summer Rose.

Of the other likely WAGs, it is believed Posh may undertake some charity work in South Africa during the tournament , while Frank Lampard's girlfriend Christine Bleakley is likely to be working in Cape Town for the One Show.

It may be left to Peter Crouch's girlfriend Abigail Clancy, Gareth Barry's wife Louise and one or two others to fly the WAG flag at the Palace Of The Lost City near England's base in Rustenburg.

Steven Gerrard's wife Alex said yesterday: 'I'll only be in Sun City for a few days. It's so far and I'm not into football. Steve makes me watch but I don't understand it.'

Last week, Fabio Capello warned the players that he would not tolerate more reports of bad behaviour off the pitch.

And, just to make sure they understood, he told them again on Monday.

Gerrard said the Italian manager's address was short as he outlined the players' responsibilities.

After the revelations about his private life, Terry was stripped of the captaincy and Rio Ferdinand will succeed him if he can overcome a back injury.

So tonight Gerrard will lead out a team who must prove they have not been split by Terry's affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend.

'To be successful we have to stick together,' said Gerrard. 'This is a fantastic opportunity to show the fans and everyone around the world that we're still united, that we're still one, still a strong team and that we have a very good chance come the summer.

'There are lots of opinions about this squad from the outside, but the most important thing is that we're as one. The spirit of togetherness has been fantastic over the last couple of days. It's not just the captain.

WAG walkabout: Victoria Beckham, left, Coleen McLoughlin (c), Michael Owen's wife Louise (2nd right) and Frank Lampard's ex-fiancee Elen Rivas in Baden Baden, Germany in 2006

'The spotlight is on every single player, even more so the closer you get to the World Cup. The manager has taken the decision to take the captaincy off John and you have to respect his decision.

'It's a tough job being England manager. You've got to make big decisions. He's done that and we all follow. We understand what he wants from us. We listen and take note.'

Serious man: Gerrard outlines the no-nonsense approach to this summer's World Cup

With 75,000 expected at Wembley, the captain's message extends to the fans.

'We've had enough of players being booed,' said Gerrard. 'It doesn't help this close to a World Cup.'

Under the spotlight of his new role, Gerrard fielded questions with a furrowed brow, as if the weight of the world were upon him.

That's just his way, but the 29-year-old player has had his share of problems.

Having been found not guilty of affray last year, he has struggled with his fitness, missing large chunks of this season through injury, but he insists he is close to his best again.

'I've found a bit of form and confidence over the last six or seven games,' he added.

He relishes the prospect of leading out his country tonight in the absence of Ferdinand.

'Every kid dreams of being England captain and I was no different,' said Gerrard, who says his style of captaincy is very different to Terry's.

'JT is very vocal and is a big leader,' said Gerrard. 'I'm a bit different and try to do my talking on the pitch and lead by example. But I still expect JT to be himself, a very good player and a majestic leader out there, even if he hasn't got the armband. I expect him to be a captain in the dressing room and on the pitch.

'In an ideal situation, we'll have Rio back fit and ready when we join up again in May. But I'm looking forward to leading the boys out. To be captain of England is a very proud feeling.'

Leading the way: Gerrard (left) trains with his England team-mates Jermain Defoe, John Terry, Wayne Rooney and Carlton Cole