England exit: Steven Gerrard’s top five Three Lions moments

As Steven Gerrard calls time on his international career, we take a look at some of his most significant moments in an England shirt. Roy Hodgson’s side, currently 12/1 to win Euro 2016, will certainly miss the tenacious and talented midfielder, as they prepare for life without their inspirational skipper.

Debut – England v Ukraine, May 2000
A young Gerrard earned his first full senior cap in a friendly at the old Wembley against Ukraine. Coach Kevin Keegan gave the exciting attacking midfielder his debut just one day after his 20th birthday, following a break-out season for Liverpool.

The Three Lions enjoyed a 2-0 victory, facing an opposition which included former AC Milan and Chelsea forward Andriy Shevchenko.

Robbie Fowler and Tony Adams were the scorers on that occasion. Although Gerrard failed to net himself, he remained on the pitch for 81 minutes, eventually replaced by injury-prone ex-Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer.

Despite the game itself being a mere footnote in England’s history, playing alongside the likes of Alan Shearer and David Beckham, on a spring evening in a packed stadium, must have been a defining moment for the eager Merseyside starlet.

First England goal – England vs Germany, September 2001
Most England fans dream of scoring against arch-rivals Germany, but for Gerrard the dream became reality, as the Three Lions demolished their European foes 5-1 on a magical night in Munich.

Even sweeter for Gerrard was that his contribution to the humiliating scoreline came in the form of his first ever goal for the England senior side, and helped them qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

Having chested down a David Beckham cross that had been headed away from the area, Gerrard unleashed a stinging, low 25-yard strike, which flew into the bottom left hand corner of the German net.

After firing England ahead, his exuberant diving celebration sparked a frenzy, and illustrated just how much breaking his international duck meant.

As the Three Lions went on to smash their enemies with further goals from Michael Owen, who hit a hat-trick, and Emile Heskey, Gerrard capped of his tremendous performance with an assist. After winning possession, the dynamic midfielder slid a delicious through ball to Owen, which the striker dispatched with aplomb.

Lionheart- England v USA 1-1, June 12th 2010
Hopes were high as England and Fabio Capello embarked on their 2010 World Cup odyssey, and the Three Lions began the tournament brightly.

Gerrard gave his nation the lead after just four minutes, with his swashbuckling efforts the only shining light in an ultimately lacklustre team performance.

Robert Green suffered in goal, fluffing a simple save, which allowed the United States to equalise, in what was a tepid precursor to another poor World Cup campaign.

Brilliant brace- England v Hungary 2-1, August 2010
Gerrard saved England, and boss Capello’s blushes, in their first game following yet another World Cup exit.
Hungary took an early lead, displeasing Three Lions fans, but Gerrard was determined to change his nation’s fortunes. Two goals within four minutes served to silence critics, as the Liverpool skipper put in a rousing display.

His first effort was vintage Gerrard, as the midfield man released a scorching shot from 30 yards. His second was no-less impressive either, with the talisman out-foxing several defenders before poking home the winner.

100th Cap – Sweden v England 4-2, November 2012
Gerrard joined an illustrious list of Englishmen by reaching a century of Three Lions caps, as England took on Sweden in a friendly encounter in Stockholm.

He became only the sixth player to do so, following in the footsteps of Billy Wright, Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, Peter Shilton and David Beckham.

The evening proved to be memorable for Gerrard on a personal level, but disappointed from a collective viewpoint.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted four times for Sweden, including an incredible overhead bicycle kick from 30 yards out. England did hit back with two goals of their own, as six Three Lions players enjoyed their debuts, but the mercurial Swede was unplayable.

Despite the disappointing defeat, Gerrard still reached an impressive milestone, captaining his nation in his 100th outing.