Sturridge and Osman hail Gerrard as he approaches 100 caps for England

Nov 12, 2012 8:00:00 PM

The newcomers to the national team praised the Liverpool midfielder, saying that there is no one more deserving of reaching the milestone ahead of the friendly against Sweden

Everton midfielder Leon Osman and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge have hailed Steven Gerrard as a "leader of men", with the 32-year-old set to pick up his 100th cap for England.

Gerrard is set to reach the milestone when the Three Lions take on Sweden on Wednesday evening, provided that he is selected after being given the all clear from a knee scan he underwent on Monday.

And his national teammates feel that there is no one more deserving of joining the elite list alongside the likes of Peter Shilton, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and David Beckham.

"It is fantastic to get to 100 caps," Osman told reporters. "There is only a select band that has managed to do it and Steven deserves to be in that crew.

"He is a fantastic player and a leader of men. We first played against each other on Merseyside when we were 12 or 13.

"To see him now get to his 100th cap is fantastic but not surprising."

Chelsea striker Sturridge explained how the Reds' midfielder has always had a positive impact on him when they have played together.

"Steven has been fantastic with me when he has been involved in the squads," he stated.

"If you ask any midfielder he has played against, they will say he is a great player. Some of the best players who have ever been have said it.

"Hopefully he will be running out on the field and picking up his 100th on Wednesday."

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