Gerrard 'loves' playing for England

The Liverpool midfielder will return from suspension to lead the side in Tuesday evening's (Wednesday morning AEDT) 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Poland in Warsaw which will leave him one cap short of the century mark.

But more than a decade of playing for his country has not diminished his appetite for representing the Three Lions.

Gerrard said: "I'm coming up to my 99th cap but I'm loving it as much as if it was my first.

"I've been around the set-up an awful long time. But I don't feel old, I'm not getting bored with it.

"I still feel fresh, looking forward to tomorrow's game as much as my debut.

"Every time you put the England shirt on it is a proud moment and to get 99 is a fantastic achievement for myself.

"But it will only be a good memory for me if we get the three points tomorrow night."

Gerrard was impressed with Rooney's first competitive match as captain against San Marino last week when he netted twice in a 5-0 win.

But he has no intention of giving up the armband lightly.

He said: "Wayne did a good job, we got three points, he played well himself, he scored twice, he behaved himself, it was all good.

"But I'm hoping he will have to wait a while (to become full-time captain). I'm really enjoying the role.

"I had to wait a long time for it to come to me. I want to enjoy it before I pass it over."

Gerrard concedes that the young talent emerging in the squad is ensuring he plays at his best to keep his place.

He said: "It is great for English football that we are producing these players.

"They are the players that are keeping the likes of myself on my toes.

"I know I've got to keep a consistency in my game at this level to stay in the team.

"All the experienced players are aware of that."

Gerrard is confident England can overcome the recent retirement of former skipper John Terry.

He said: "I would agree to a certain extent that he is a big miss because he is a fantastic player who has been a fantastic servant to Chelsea and England.

"But we've all moved on from John's decision because we have to respect it and hopefully we've got other good players who will step in and do a good job as well, Lescott, Cahill and Jagielka etc.

"We are not short in that area and hope John is not missed too much."