FACTFILE Born: 30/05/80 Position: Midfielder Club: Liverpool Caps: 23 Goals: 3

Gerrard's tenacity, drive and perceptive passing make him an essential part of England's midfield, where some say he is even more important than David Beckham.

Allied to this is a good understanding with club colleague Michael Owen - and a reputation as a lucky talisman, as England are yet to lose in a competitive match in which Gerrard has played.

Gerrard, when fit, is one of the finest midfield operators in Europe with a growing reputation.

He still has question marks over his temperament, but has vowed to clean up his act.