Distressed by the sight of Paul Gascoigne's renewed battle against alcoholism, England players offered Tuesday to help the troubled star's recovery as he receives treatment in the United States.

Gascoigne's friends organized for him to fly to a treatment center in Phoenix after seeing images published of him in ill health at a charity function last week, sobbing and slurring his words while addressing the crowd.

The rare public appearance by the 45-year-old former midfielder — known as "Gazza" — confirmed fears that he is struggling to overcome the alcohol and mental-health problems that have plagued him since quitting the game in 2005.

Now the England team believes that Gascoigne, whose skillful displays at the 1990 World Cup turned him into an international celebrity, could benefit from assistance from the current generation of players.

"We've made it clear we are able to help if needed," captain Steven Gerrard said ahead of England's match against Brazil on Wednesday.