Football: Steven Gerrard's England career - in pictures

Gerrard impressed on his England debut in a 2-0 friendly victory over Ukraine at Wembley on the eve of Euro 2000. He was then included in Kevin Keegan's squad for the tournament Photograph: Ben Radford/Getty Images

He described his 25-yard goal against Germany during England's famous 5-1 victory in a qualifier for the 2002 World Cup as one of his three best strikes in an England shirt Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Though he rated his performance against Greece in a subsequent qualifier at Old Trafford - the game in which England sealed qualification thanks to David Beckham's last minute free-kick - as one of his most disappointing Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Another memorable strike by Gerrard was this volley in a Euro 2004 qualifier against Macedonia at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton Photograph: Ben Radford/Getty Images

The match ended 2-2 and England went on to reach the tournament proper Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Sven Goran Erikkson made Gerrard his captain for a game in March 2004 Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

At Euro 2004 he had a midfield duel with Zinedine Zidane as England faced France. Gerrard said Zidane was his toughest opponent and was a player who had "magical feet - feet like hands" Photograph: Phil Cole/Getty Images Sport

Unfortunately for Gerrard, the Portguese goalkeeper Ricardo, whom he faced in a penalty shoot-out later in the tournament, had hands like spades. Ricardo saved Gerrard's effort as England exited at the quarter-finals Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

The England team were portrayed as unprofessional for allowing their 'wags' to accompany them to Baden Baden in Germany for that tournament Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Gerrard was aghast once more when England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren. A 3-2 home defeat to Croatia sealed their fate Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Happier memories against Croatia were made when Gerrard scored twice in a 5-1 drubbing at Wembley in 2009 during England's 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign Photograph: Phil Cole - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

He displayed leonine qualities against Mexico in 2010 when he played on despite a nasty head wound Photograph: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

The summer ended in misery once more when England were defeated 4-1 by Germany in the round of 16 at the World Cup in South Africa Photograph: Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images

Within weeks, England were back in action in a friendly. Gerrard's prowess on the ball was evident once more as he scored a cracker after beating three men against Hungary Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

England drew that match 1-1 Photograph: Hamish Blair - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Another tournament, another fleeting moment of joy, with another horrible ending. Gerrard scored against France in their group D match in Ukraine, but England lost to Italy in the quarter-final on penalties Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images

As Roy Hodgson's chosen captain, Gerrard is looking to guide England to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil Photograph: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

But, in a tricky group, his side have yet to assert themselves. Therefore England's friendly with Sweden on Wednesday night, in which Gerrard will earn his 100th cap, is an important occasion for the whole England side to re-group and build momentum Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images