The fitness of the Liverpool midfielder is now the biggest concern for Sven Goran Eriksson, with captain David Beckham expected to move into Gerrard's central role.
And after his sensational debut goal against Ukraine, hacks at the England press conference put it to Beckham that Shaun might step into Beckham's usual right-sided role, and the Real Madrid star seems quite happy with the prospect all round.
"I play there for Real Madrid so I'm used to that position," said Beckham.
"As long as I'm in the XI it doesn't matter, if that happens to be in the middle I'm more than comfortable and capable of playing in that position. But we will have to wait and see."
He added: "It's a good thing to have young players coming into the team. Shaun Wright-Phillips is showing he can do it for Manchester City and for England.
"And everyone's confident that if he comes into this World Cup qualifier he will perform."