Steven Gerrard celebrates his 100th England appearance against Sweden. Sky Sports News Chief Football Reporter Nick Collins has witnessed the majority of those games and reflects on the captain's international career...
Wednesday 14 November 2012 13:20, UK
Sky Sports News' Nick Collins reflects on the England career of skipper Steven Gerrard.
It was a sunny afternoon in May 2000 when Steve Gerrard made his England debut against Ukraine - a promising, assured performance which hinted at much more to come. Just how much more soon became apparent with a key second-half cameo role at Euro 2000 in the victory over Germany. Fitness problems dogged his early England career - he missed out on the 2002 World Cup through injury. But by then he'd played a significant part in the most memorable of the 220-plus games which I've covered over the years with England. September 2001 in Munich. England went an early goal down against Germany, but then stormed back to thrash their old rivals 5-1. Yes Michael Owen scored a hat-trick, but the goal which stood out was Gerrard's super-strike right on half-time to give England a priceless 2-1 lead. Incidentally Gerrard describes this as his favourite England game. He first captained his country in 2004 in Sweden - ironically his first defeat in an England shirt - but he's proved to be a fine leader on and off the field whenever called upon. The 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros were difficult tournaments for England, but Gerrard drove the team on and emerged with great credit. He's the elder statesman of the side now, yet still an inspiration for the younger generation. He'll always be one of my all-time favourite England players because of how much he gives to the cause. Steven Gerrard deserves to grace Brazil 2014 and I, for one, can't wait to see him there.Player | Steven Gerrard for England |
Appearances | 99 |
Goals | 19 |
Goal Assists | 19 |
Pass Completion % | 79% |
Tackles Won % | 74% |
Blocks | 40 |
Fouls | 79 |
Offside | 11 |
Yellow Cards | 10 |
Red Cards | 1 |
Win Record | |
Games Won | 64 |
Games Drawn | 23 |
Games Lost | 12 |
Win % | 64.6% |