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.