Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has decided to focus his attention solely on Liverpool for the rest of his career, following his retirement from England duty on Monday. Henry Jackson selects the 34-year-old’s 10 greatest goals for the Three Lions.
Steven Gerrard has brought the curtain down on his international career, retiring from England duty having given 14 years of great service in a Three Lions shirt.
The 34-year-old Liverpool legend made his England debut in 2000, against Ukraine, and went on to make 114 appearances. Only Peter Shilton and David Beckham have more.
Although Gerrard never quite hit the staggering heights he has in a Reds shirt for England, he still produced some memorable moments. Here are his top 10 England goals; what would be your number one?
10. ENGLAND vs Poland- 2013
It may not have been the prettiest goal of Gerrard’s England career, but this strike ensured the Three Lions qualified for the 2014 World Cup.
Having played the whole game in defensive midfield, his one foray forward resulted in a goal, with the captain forcing his way through before lifting the ball over Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny.
9. Andorra vs ENGLAND (First goal)- 2007
With England embarrassingly failing to break down minnows Andorra, Gerrard’s perfectly executed strike eased the nerves to put his side into the lead.
He would score an even better effort shortly after.
8. ENGLAND vs Moldova- 2013
A routine victory for Roy Hodgson’s side over Moldova at Wembley last year saw the captain give England the lead with a trademark long-range effort.
Frank Lampard’s lay-off found Gerrard, who drilled a terrific shot into the bottom corner from 30 yards.
7. ENGLAND vs Hungary (1st goal)- 2010
Not for the first time in his long England career, Gerrard came to his country’s rescue with them struggling against inferior opposition.
With Hungary leading 1-0 at Wembley, the then 30-year-old fired home an unstoppable shot to bring the Three Lions level. More was to come.
6. Andorra vs ENGLAND (2nd goal)- 2007
Gerrard had already given England the lead early in the second-half against a stubborn Andorra side, and this fabulously worked effort doubled their lead.
The Reds hero played two one-twos in and around the penalty area, before calmly stroking the ball home to finish off a brilliant move.
5. ENGLAND vs Trinidad & Tobago- 2006
Gerrard’s first ever World Cup goal, back in 2006, was a screamer, and came just a month or so after his match-winning performance in the FA Cup final triumph over West Ham.
With England 1-0 up thanks to fellow Red Peter Crouch’s goal, Gerrard thundered a left-footed shot into the top corner to seal victory for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side.
4. ENGLAND vs Macedonia- 2002
With Gerrard’s England career still in its infancy back in 2002, he continued to enhance his reputation as the most talented midfielder in the country with a great strike.
The young Gerrard, then 22, took the ball down on his chest before firing a superb volley straight past Macedonia’s helpless goalkeeper.
3. Austria vs ENGLAND- 2004
This goal has real echoes of a goal Gerrard would score four years later for Liverpool against Marsielle in a Champions League clash.
Gerrard saw the ball laid back into his path by former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, and he whipped a magnificent effort into the back of the net.
2.Germany vs ENGLAND- 2001
Perhaps Gerrard’s most famous ever goal in an England shirt, this was also his first for his country on an unforgettable evening.
With the scores level at 1-1, 21-year-old Gerrard rifled a stunning effort past Oliver Kahn to put Eriksson’s men 2-1 up at the home of great rivals Germany.
It was to prove the pivotal goal of the night, and a Liverpool-inspired England went on to win 5-1.
1. ENGLAND vs Hungary (Second goal)- 2010
This goal may not be a marauding, inspirational effort or a long-range stunner that we have become so used to seeing from Gerrard over the years, but the technical brilliance shown makes it his best ever for England in my book.
Having been found by Ashley Young inside the area, a superb ‘Cruyff Turn’ and quick feet in a tight area saw him evade several Hungary players before poking the ball home.
It proved to be the winning goal, having already dragged his side level earlier on in proceedings.
Gerrard is not always praised as much for his natural ability as he should be, and this goal perfectly summed up the genius in his boots.
What is your favourite Steven Gerrard goal for England? Let us know in the comments section below.
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