England: Gerrard deserves 8/10 as he joins 100 club

Steven Gerrard is set to win a landmark 100th cap in Stockholm

As Steven Gerrard prepares to join the exclusive century club, Christian Crowther assesses his England career...

In approaching his 100th England cap, the Liverpool skipper has rightly received a fair amount of adulation this week, but the man himself was slightly more frank in his self assessment.

When asked to compare himself to the other great names he will be joining, Gerrard placed his England career at a six or a seven out of 10, with the two Bobbys (Moore and Charlton) understandably on maximum marks. 

So, was Gerrard right to mark himself so modestly or is it possible he was even being too generous? Here are a few categories from which to grade him:

Availability
The fact that Gerrard is in line to make his 100th cap is probably the only piece of evidence needed here to get himself full marks. After all, only Billy Wright, Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, Peter Shilton and of course David Beckham have achieved such a landmark previously. He is second only to Beckham - who holds the record amount of outfield caps at 115 - in the Premier League era. Yet, a career sprinkled with lengthy injuries and occasional accusations of 'friendly shirking' may have seen him closer to Beckham's record already.

International tournament record
This is undoubtedly the area where Gerrard will have the most Three Lions' regrets unless he goes on to be part of something special in Brazil. Three quarter-finals is as good as gets for one of England's most lauded players of a generation. Having missed World Cup 2002 through injury, Gerrard notched two goals in the group stage to help England into the knockout rounds in 2006 only to then miss a penalty in the decisive shootout. Arguably, he has just played his best tournament at Euro 2012, having relished a central role, and was part of most good things England mustered. 

Finest international moment
Gerrard was integral in one of England's finest hours, that famous night in Munich where England pummelled Germany 5-1 on their way to qualifying for World Cup 2002 in Japan and South Korea. His 25-yard screamer epitomised a truly special performance. If only he could have been fit to play in that World Cup, England may just have gone on to achieve something special.

Worst international moment
Being part of three separate England teams to have crashed out of major tournaments on penalties in itself represents a unifying pain. However, missing a spot kick himself in the 2006 shootout is probably as tough as it comes for an international footballer.

Consistency in replicating club form
In conjunction with constant questioning over his ability to play alongside Frank Lampard, Gerrard has often been accused of failing to replicate his towering club form for England. There is certainly an element of truth in this notion and something only Gerrard can answer, though he is not the only player this applies to. A lack of effort on the number four's part can never be questioned however and in truth there have been plenty of moments of inspiration for his country down the years. Being moved all over the park by different managers has not helped his cause here.

Overall mark - 8/10

England can be backed at 3.3512/5 to mark Gerrard's 100th cap with a win and the man himself can be found at 5.04/1 to add some gloss by scoring anytime.