Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has paid tribute to Steven Gerrard ahead of him playing his 100th game for England.

Souness believes the landmark is more than deserved as he ranks the 32-year-old as the most influential player of the last 10 years.

Asked whether Gerrard was one of the best England players of his generation the former Scotland international told the Independent: "If not the best.

"I'm trying to think over the last 10 years....I'd have him as number one.

"Frank Lampard is a great midfield player and scorer of goals but I think Steven has the edge on him - then you start to compare him with strikers.

"John Terry has been a great player for England but you can't compare a midfield player and a centre-back.

"You say best but I think the question you have to ask is 'Biggest influence on the team'?

"I'd say that Steven Gerrard has had the biggest influence on the England team in the last 10 years."