'Nappy factor' will help England win World Cup: Gerrard

London, Jun 17 (ANI): England skipper Steven Gerrard has said so many of his colleagues have become fathers, and this has forced them to "grow up" and stop partying, giving them a better chance to win the 2010 World Cup.

Gerrard further said that Fabio Capello's team stands a better chance of lifting the trophy because of the "nappy factor".

"Lots of us are dads now, more than four years ago. You could say the lads have been busy. But that's what happens when you are mature as people, you settle down and have children. Congratulations to them lads!

"We are much more mature as a squad and that will help us. Hopefully everyone is happy and that means the team can do well," The Sun quoted Gerrard, as saying.

Ace striker Wayne Rooney, who became a first-time dad in November when son Kai was born, said: "I'm more mature on and off the pitch. I'm settled now and it's good. I spend a lot of time at home with them and that has obviously benefited me."

"When you're home, you get your rest and it is definitely benefiting me," he added.

Several England players have become dads for the first time since the last World Cup in 2006, while some have had second children. John Terry, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard have also had kids.

Team-mates Gareth Barry, Emile Heskey and Jamie Carragher are all dads too. (ANI)