England U19s Head Coach Noel Blake selects his Player Of The Year for 2012

Noel Blake had no hesitation in selecting his England Player Of The Year for 2012, choosing Steven Gerrard at the end of what has been the captain's centurion year.

The England U19 Head Coach was asked to pick who he feels is most deserving of the award and pointed to Liverpool star Gerrard's involvement with both club and country as the key reason behind his nomination.

He said: "It's always a difficult choice picking the player of the year award.

"But after going back to the European Championships and watching it and seeing how Steven Gerrard led the team, it has to be him.

"He's a special player, has a fantastic attitude and is a true leader on and off the field, he also gets the best out of everyone on the pitch.

"He could walk into any team in the world no problem and he deserves to get his 100th cap for his country."

Blake led his Young Lions to the semi-final of the U19 Euro Finals in 2012 and also qualified for next summer's U20 World Cup in Turkey.

And he's seen Gerrard at Liverpool youth games when he's been on the road, further illustrating the 32-year-old's attitude to his own club and the game in general.

"I've seen him around when I've been to watch games at Liverpool's Academy and he's always watching the kids when he has time and he's a fantastic influence on young players," added Blake.

"We have many terrific role models in this country and he's right up there with the best of them, a great footballer and a great leader for our country."

Cole, Gerrard, Hart, Johnson and 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 Vauxhallat 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.