The Liverpool midfielder was sorely missed at World Cup 2002 after injury ruled him out of the squad.

Gerrard has emerged as one of England's best midfielders over the last four years and inspired Liverpool to qualify for a Champions League place in the Premiership this season.

Lee is keen to stress the quality of the whole of England's squad, but saves special praise for the 23-year-old.

He said: "Having Steven in this squad will really boost our chances. The fact we have one more quality player available to us should help our cause.

"I think Steven is a great player and has had a great effect on Liverpool Football Club on and off the pitch.

"He's matured greatly over the last few years and taken to the captaincy of the club very very well.

"He is inspirational both on and off the pitch. For me knowing him as a former Liverpool player and a fan, he has been great for the club."

Gerrard is expected to be in the first 11 throughout the tournament barring injury, but debate has raged over what position he will play in midfield at the tournament.

England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson has admitted he will use Gerrard on the left of midfield in the forthcoming friendlies against Japan and Iceland next month, but Lee added:

"There is a lot of talk on where he's going to play, but he is so good he can play anywhere in midfield.

"The thing for me throughout all these discussions is that everyone has included him in the team. It just shows his quality that everyone considers himself a certainty in the team."