Steven Gerrard was named England’s Player of the Year for the second time in his career while Jordan Henderson scooped the U-21 accolade at the inaugural FA England Awards on Sunday evening.
The Liverpool midfielders were honored with the awards at a special ceremony at St. George’s Park following a fans’ vote over the past few months.
Gerrard beat Ashley Cole and Danny Welbeck, while Henderson pipped Anfield teammate Martin Kelly as well as Wilfried Zaha to the accolade.
Gerrard, who previously received the prize in 2007, captained the Three Lions to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 last summer and has helped Roy Hodgson’s side make an unbeaten start to 2014 World Cup qualifying.
The 32-year-old also reached the landmark of 100 caps when he played in England’s friendly against Sweden last November, becoming only the sixth man to achieve the feat.
Three Lions boss Hodgson said: “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.
“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 defense to attack.
“I can see him playing for many years to come.”
On Thursday, Gerrard was named alongside fellow Reds Johnson and Daniel Sturridge in Hodgson’s squad to challenge Brazil in an international friendly at Wembley on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Henderson was named in the Three Lions’ U-21 squad to face Sweden on Tuesday. He was also part of Hodgson’s senior team at Euro 2012.
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
