Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard is proud to be leading England in tonight's Euros opener against France.

Gerrard skippered England at the 2010 World Cup in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand but will be leading his country on an official basis at a tournament for the first time.

He said: "It's fantastic. I've said how proud I am to lead the boys out. The spirit in the camp is fantastic. The preparation has gone really well.

"We're itching to get started. The squad is really happy."