Liverpool star Steven Gerrard has been told his England future is safe for now after he was charged with assault following an alleged nightclub brawl.
However, should the Reds captain be charged with a serious criminal assault he could be dumped from Fabio Capello's squad.
Gerrard was charged this morning along with two other men who had also been arrested after a 'disturbance' outside a late-night bar in Southport, Merseyside in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The venue's DJ, a 34-year-old local man, required hospital treatment after suffering facial injuries.
Gerrard, 28, was released from Southport police station early this morning.
He was at the restaurant and bar - which turns into a nightclub - with friends to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle.
But an FA spokesman insisted: 'No one knows the full facts so we are not even discussing this matter.
'No player is banned from representing England while they are the subject of a police inquiry.
'That position would only change in the case of a conviction for a serious criminal offence. Then the case would be considered on its individual merits.'
Gerrard has been capped by England 70 times and has captained his country on four occasions.
He was made an MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.
However, unless he is found guilt of a serious criminal offence the incident is unlikely to affect Liverpool's title pursuit.
Gerrard is not due back to training until tomorrow morning and was unlikely to play this weekend anyway – boss Rafa Benitez was already considering resting his skipper for the FA Cup clash with Preston.
However, should the Reds captain be charged with a serious criminal assault he could be dumped from Fabio Capello's squad.
Gerrard was charged this morning along with two other men who had also been arrested after a 'disturbance' outside a late-night bar in Southport, Merseyside in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The venue's DJ, a 34-year-old local man, required hospital treatment after suffering facial injuries.
Gerrard, 28, was released from Southport police station early this morning.
He was at the restaurant and bar - which turns into a nightclub - with friends to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle.
But an FA spokesman insisted: 'No one knows the full facts so we are not even discussing this matter.
'No player is banned from representing England while they are the subject of a police inquiry.
'That position would only change in the case of a conviction for a serious criminal offence. Then the case would be considered on its individual merits.'
Gerrard has been capped by England 70 times and has captained his country on four occasions.
He was made an MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.
However, unless he is found guilt of a serious criminal offence the incident is unlikely to affect Liverpool's title pursuit.
Gerrard is not due back to training until tomorrow morning and was unlikely to play this weekend anyway – boss Rafa Benitez was already considering resting his skipper for the FA Cup clash with Preston.
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