Steven Gerrard: England on the up
Steven Gerrard will match Bobby Moore's 108-cap haul tonight and he is sure his special evening will not be ruined by another crushing defeat to Germany.
England face Germany in the latest installment of one of the greatest sporting rivalries around tonight.
The night will be a particularly special one for Gerrard, who will move level with the 1966 World Cup-winning captain in England's all-time appearance list.
"I'm very proud and slightly embarrassed as well!" he said.
"Bobby Moore is a World Cup winner and an iconic figure. He's a hero to everyone in the country.
"To equal his record is a fantastic achievement. Myself and my family are very, very proud."
The England captain has had mixed experiences when it comes to facing the Germans.
He announced his arrival on the world stage with the goal that tipped England towards their 5-1 annihilation of their old rival in Munich 12 years ago.
Nine years later, Germany had their revenge in Bloemfontein as they humiliated Fabio Capello's side with a 4-1 win which stunned the nation.
Gerrard admits the 2010 World Cup defeat was one of the worst moments of his career, but he thinks England are in a much better shape to face their old enemy this time around.
"I'd say we are better now," he said. "We are a lot stronger. If we were to meet Germany tomorrow in a World Cup I don't think we'd leave the pitch having been beaten 4-1.
"There is a good mix of youth and experience in the squad at the moment. We are all moving forward and improving all the time.
"If you look at how they've performed in recent tournaments and where they're ranked, then maybe we are slight underdogs. But if you look at both squads and both starting XI's I wouldn't say we're huge underdogs, no. Maybe slight."
Gerrard's participation in the game had been in doubt because of a hip problem, but he has had an injection to help support the ligaments in his hip and tighten them.
Gerrard's Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge will lead the attack tonight.
Ashley Cole, Kyle Walker, Phil Jagielka and Chris Smalling will start in front of keeper Joe Hart.
Adam Lallana, Steven Gerrard, Tom Cleverley and Andros Townsend line up in midfield while Wayne Rooney starts behind Sturridge."
