Gerrard set for England milestone

England captain Steven Gerrard will win his 100th cap on Wednesday after a scan confirmed he suffered no knee ligament damage during Liverpool's Premier League draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

Gerrard suffered a knock late in the 1-1 draw and, after reporting for duty in Manchester, was sent for a precautionary scan by the Football Association.

The scan revealed there was no damage, meaning Gerrard will lead his country into their friendly against Sweden in Stockholm, where he will become only the sixth Englishman to reach a century of caps.

An FA statement read: "Steven Gerrard has been cleared to travel with the England squad to Sweden having undergone a precautionary scan on Monday afternoon.

"The England captain reported to the team hotel following Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea and, having received positive news, is set to win his 100th cap against Sweden on Wednesday evening in Stockholm."

In contrast, Leon Osman is set to win his first cap in Stockholm and the Everton midfielder believes Gerrard thoroughly deserves to join the exclusive 100 club.

The 31-year-old said: "It is fantastic to get to 100 caps. There is only a select band that has managed to do it and Steven deserves to be in that crew. He is a fantastic player and a leader of men. We first played against each other on Merseyside when we were 12 or 13. To see him now get to his 100th cap is fantastic but not surprising."

Until they met up for England training in Manchester, Osman's assessment of Gerrard's qualities has come exclusively from being on the opposing team. Daniel Sturridge has benefited from being in the same camps as Gerrard and has profited personally from his vast experience.

"Steven has been fantastic with me when he has been involved in the squads," said the Chelsea forward.

"If you ask any midfielder he has played against, they will say he is a great player. Some of the best players who have ever been have said it. Hopefully he will be running out on the field and picking up his 100th on Wednesday."