Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard is proving one of England's most crucial players in the Euros.

Gerrard, who was the provider for Joleon ­Lescott when the ­Manchester City defender headed England ahead in the 1-1 draw with France in midweek, also delivered for Andy Carroll to give the Three Lions a first-half lead against the Swedes with a terrific finish in the air.

Gerrard said: "The big man was selected to play by the ­manager and the message we had in the team ­meeting was to get good service to him in the box.

"If you get high up the pitch then you can try to put in good crosses and Andy stuck a ­fantastic header away.

"I was happy with the crosses that I put in for Joleon against France and Andy against Sweden. But you have got to give them both all the credit for the way they ­finished them off."