STEVEN GERRARD was crowned England Player of the Year for 2012 at the inaugural FA England Awards.
The inspirational captain's triumph completed an impressive double for Liverpool as fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson was named England Under-21s Player of the Year.
Gerrard, who polled more than 40% of votes to finish ahead of Danny Welbeck and Ashley Cole, received his award at St George's Park last night from World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton.
“It's always special to be recognised by supporters,” Gerrard said. “I decided after the summer to stay involved because of the players in the group.
“I still feel fresh and I'm looking forward to the next game as much as my debut. Every time you put the England shirt on, it is a proud moment.”
The 32-year-old played 11 games for England in 2012, skippering them through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 and then earning his 100th cap against Sweden in November.
England boss Roy 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 defence to attack. I can see him playing for many years to come.”
It's the second time Gerrard has won the award having also been crowned England Player of the Year in 2007.
Henderson, who clinched the under-21s accolade ahead of clubmate Martin Kelly and Wilfried Zaha, led the Young Lions to six wins in six games in 2012.
“It's a privilege and an honour so thanks to people for voting,” he said.
The evening was part of the FA’s 150th anniversary programme and celebrated the work of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.
