Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has praised his former midfielder Steven Gerrard, who is due to win his 100th cap for England this evening.

The Frenchman, who gave Gerrard the captaincy at Anfield during his time as manager on Merseyside, believes that there are three elements in the midfielder's character that have led him to glory during his career.

"His achievement is massive," Houllier told BBC Radio Five Live. "There are three things that characterise Stevie, first of all his passion, his great desire of the game, his will to win has never waned, second he's very intelligent, he's got a heart, and three, he's got outstanding skill, and he could play many roles in a team. But he's got an eye for a pass that I've never met with another player."

Gerrard will lead the Three Lions out in Stockholm this evening when they take on Sweden in an international friendly.