Gerrard named England's player of the year

04-Feb-2013 4:35:00 AM

The Three Lions' skipper takes the inaugural prize ahead of young striker Danny Welbeck who was voted in second place and third-placed Ashley Cole

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has been named England's player of 2012 at an award ceremony at St George's Park.

Gerrard assisted all of the Three Lions' goals at Euro 2012, although he did not manage to score an international goal across the year.

Danny Welbeck, who scored five goals in 11 appearances (more strikes than any other for England in the year), came in second, while Ashley Cole was voted third by fans on the Football Association's official website.

“I still feel fresh, looking forward to the next game as much as my debut. Every time you put the England shirt on, it is a proud moment," Gerrard said at the awards ceremony at St George's Park.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson also praised his captain and believes the Reds' skipper can continue playing at the highest level for a long time.

“In Steven the younger players can look at someone who has 100 caps, and they must think ‘goodness me, he started at the same age I am, but he's still here 14 years later’ and what a career he's had," Hodgson said.

"In Steven's case he has a great enthusiasm and passion to play, and that can be infectious to other players. The other thing about Steven is that he is not a player who can be pigeon-holed, he is an all round midfielder capable of contributing right across the pitch from defence to attack.

"I can see him playing for many years to come.”