England U21 coach Stuart Pearce is delighted for Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard over his 100th cap.

Pearce, who won 78 caps for England in a 12-year career from 1987 until 1999, played against Gerrard many times and said the nation should be proud of the Liverpool skipper who, last night in Sweden, became the sixth English player to manage 100 caps.

Pearce said: "It is the games that he has taken by the scruff of the neck for Liverpool that stand out for me.

"I stayed at Nottingham Forest for a long time because I enjoyed it there and I enjoyed the fellow I worked for.

"Also, I enjoyed seeing players such as Steven, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville staying loyal to one club.

"Liverpool should feel very proud of Steven and so should England. It was great for him and great for English football in general because it really is some achievement for any player to get to 100 caps."