The England captain will earn his 99th international cap on Tuesday night

England captain Steven Gerrard is bursting with pride as he prepares to earn his 99th international cap against Poland tomorrow.

The Liverpool midfielder made his international debut against Ukraine in May 2000 and is looking to reach his sixth international tournament as an England player.

Gerrard, 32, insists every international outing is a special occasion but feels that one famous evening in Munich trumped them all.

He said: "They've all been significant for me. Every time you put the England shirt on it's a proud moment.

“If I’m pushed, the 5-1 game against Germany in Munich was the highlight of my England career so far.

“To have 99 in the locker is a fantastic achievement but it'll only be a good memory if we get the three points tomorrow.”

Gerrard also admitted that Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in the National Stadium will provide a stern examination of England's credentials.

He said: "Poland will be very tough opponents. These are the games you look forward to, a good test for me personally and a match we're looking forward to.”

Gerrard will lead England out in Warsaw after returning from a one-match suspension.

But he had words of praise for Wayne Rooney, who stood in as skipper for Friday’s 5-0 humbling of San Marino.

Gerrard said: “Wayne played well, did a good job, behaved himself and got himself on the scoresheet. It was all good, good fun."

And the Reds ace echoed the sentiments of England boss Roy Hodgson, who revealed how proud he was of the balance between youth and experience in his squad.

Danny Welbeck, 23, netted twice against San Marino while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 19, also got on the scoresheet at Wembley.

Tom Cleverley, 23 and 20-year-old debutant Jonjo Shelvey also impressed against San Marino, pointing to a bright future for the Three Lions.

Gerrard said: "They're talents, they're all different and it’s great we're producing these players.

"They're the players who are keeping the likes of myself on my toes. I've got to keep a level of consistency if I want to stay in the team.

“There's a good balance in the team and hopefully we can keep that going."