The U16 Head Coach selects Steven Gerrard as his England Player of the Year

Kenny Swain has chosen Steven Gerrard as his England Player of 2012.

The U16 Head Coach says it was an easy decision to make after the skipper’s stand-out performances over the last 12 months.

Gerrard led by example during the summer’s European Championship, having a big hand in three of England’s five goals in the group stage, and he was later named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament.

The Liverpool man rounded off the year by earning his 100th cap in November, against Sweden, and Swain was full of praise for the midfielder.

He said: “Gerrard has been the best England player over the course of the year, no question for me.

“He has really taken to the captaincy and it might have actually helped improve his game. He’s a terrific player and a great leader. He encourages everyone around him.

Swain continued: “I thought Gerrard was magnificent during the Euros, definitely England’s best player at the tournament.

“He is a big-game player and he proved that in Poland and Ukraine.”

Gerrard, Joe Hart, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson and Danny Welbeck are all in the hunt this year and it's up to you which star will claim the 2012 England Player of the Year award at the inaugural FA England Awards in association with Vauxhall at St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February 2013.

To make your choice count select your chosen player in each category in the polls below and click ‘VOTE’.
The voting period will close at midnight on Sunday 13 January 2013.