Looked to have missed his chance when only put on standby but called in after the injury to club team-mate Steven Gerrard.

Has a habit of scoring crucial goals for his club such as the winner against Manchester United in the League this season.

Endured a mixed season at club level where he was at one time the target of a small section of boo-boys at Anfield.

However, that seemed to strengthen his resolve and he played his way into the England reckoning.

Scored his first international goal with a deflected shot against Paraguay.

Continued to prove his worth as an attacking force in that game when he sent a superb curling shot just wide late on.