Gerrard: No England regrets
Steven Gerrard today insisted he has no regrets about his England career so far as he prepares to lead the Three Lions out for their make-or-break Euro 2012 clash with Ukraine.
The Liverpool captain, who will win his 95th cap against the tournament co-hosts in Donetsk tonight, is no stranger to disappointment at international level having suffered several early exits from competitions with England since making his debut back in 2000.
But, as he aims to help England secure the point they need to qualify for the quarter-finals tonight, Gerrard revealed he has loved every moment of his Three Lions career so far.
"I've enjoyed every time I've played for England," the 32-year-old said.
"There have been highs and lows but the experience of playing with this group of players has been fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing."
A clash against either Spain or Italy awaits England if they do progress to the next round.
However, Gerrard remains fully focused on the task in hand and is refusing to look ahead to the quarter-finals.
"The aim is always to finish top of the group," the midfielder said.
"It is important we do not get ahead of ourselves and start worrying about who we can meet in the quarter-finals.
"I am trying to force myself not even to talk about the quarter-finals, or get involved in (talk about) it.
"It would be very disrespectful to tonight's opposition, who are very dangerous."
Gerrard is determined to avoid more international heartache and is taking nothing for granted ahead of England's final Group D tie.
He added: "There is a very important and very difficult job to do first. The aim is to win the game and see where that takes us.
"If I started talking about quarter-finals and we slipped up I would never forgive myself."
Having made his international debut against Ukraine under Kevin Keegan 12 years ago, tonight's opponents are a familiar foe for the England captain.
And whilst Gerrard is refusing to underestimate the Eastern Europeans, he's played down the importance of home advantage, revealing he thrives playing in such an atmosphere.
"The fans don't score goals," said the Liverpool No.8. "The noise doesn't score goals.
"We are not worried about how noisy it is or what the atmosphere is like.
"I can't wait. Sixty thousand fans all cheering. That is what you play football for."