Gerrard contines rise for club and country

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (L) is challenged by Barcelona's Dutchman Philip Cocu (R) at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, 19 April 2001 during the second leg of the UEFA cup semi-final match. Liverpool defeated Barcelona 1-0 to reach the final. AFP PHOTO/Odd ANDERSEN

It was a major disappointment for England when dynamic midfielder Steven Gerrard was ruled out of the 2002 World Cup with injury on the eve of the competition.

However he is now back to his best and ready to appear at his first major tournament as England prepare to tackle Europe's best at Euro 2004.

Gerrard literally muscled his way into the first team at Liverpool after proving an irresistible force within the club's Academy, where he played his early football.

Tall, strong and a ferocious tackler, he would have been just another first-class midfielder were it not for a degree of vision and maturity way beyond his young age.

Opportunity

There is always a way for great young players to force their way into the top flight and in Gerrard's case it came when Liverpool star Jamie Rednapp was sidelined through injury.

Gerrard immediately imposed himself in the side, and before long the sight of his tall, powerful frame charging forward had become a familiar pleasure for Liverpool fans.

Liverpool`s Steven Gerrard (L) and Robbie Fowler with daughter Madison show off the FA cup trophy from an open top bus during a parade through the city of Liverpool , 20 May 2001. The Mersey side club have claimed a cup treble this season and was recieved as heroes by their fans after taking a third spot in the domestic league as well as qualifying for Champions league next season.AFP PHOTO:Martyn HARRISON

Although Liverpool have struggled to challenge for the Premiership title or progress in Champions League play, Gerrard pledged his future to the Anfield outfit in 2003 signing a new contract extension until 2007.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has also made him captain in a tribute to his leadership.

He has visionary passing and a fierce shot, but the ripple of expectation in the crowd when he gets the ball in space is due to the realisation (and it applies to all great players) that something special may be about to happen.

Munich memory

He had plenty of opportunities to perform in the big games in the 2000-2001 season with Liverpool, who won four major Cups against top opposition including the UEFA Cup.

England's Tephen Gerrard goes to full stretch 02 April 2003 to beat Turkey's Ozalan Fehmi Alpay during tonights England v Turkey European Championship match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, UK. AFP photo by Paul Barker

Gerrard's wonderful ease on the ball and his hard precise tackles were no better illustrated than in England's 5-1 rout of Germany in Munich and he crowned his performance with a glorious 30-metre strike to give England a 2-1 lead on the stroke of half-time. The win proved decisive in qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

Yet he still has plenty to learn. His feisty attitude on the pitch sometimes backfires and leads to red cards but it is his fitness that is the greatest worry to England fans. Now with all eyes on Portugal and the hope of a first major title since the 1966 World Cup, Gerrard's presence is widely seen as indispensable.