Debut for newcomers and 100th cap for Gerrard

Liverpool, Nov 14 (IANS) Liverpool’s teenager winger Raheem Sterling is set to make his debut for England while his club teammate and captain Steven Gerrard is expected to earn the 100th cap in England’s friendly against Sweden in Stockholm Wednesday.

England coach Roy Hodgson has revealed that the 17-year-old Sterling, alongside Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Steven Caulker and Everton midfielder Leon Osman will make their international debuts, reports Xinhua.

Five more players will also be waiting for their first England caps Wednesday, including Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster, Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross, Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand, Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson as well as Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, who was born in Cote d’Ivoire.

After being cleared to travel with the squad following a scan on a knee injury Monday, England captain Steven Gerrard is set to become the sixth player ever that has earned 100 international caps for England.

The exclusive club includes only Peter Shilton, David Beckham, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright, with legendary goalkeeper Shilton’s 125 caps being the top record.

IANS 2012-11-14 12:36:20