"Priceless to Gerard Houllier" – The People
"Boundless energy" – The Times
"A great captain who leads by example" – Gerard Houllier

Steve Gerrard simply can’t do any more in his personal quest to help Liverpool qualify for the Champions League.

Injuries, loss of form and inconsistency have seen the Anfield club scuffling for fourth place rather than challenging for the Championship this season - but their captain’s form suggests they have a real chance.

Gerrard is more than a dynamic tackler and runner these days. The England star produced a terrific delivery to set up Sami Hyypia for their first goal at Bolton on Saturday.

And with Liverpool trailing 2-1, he burst forward after 69 minutes to plant Antony Le Tallec’s cross into the net with a first-time finish.

"Stevie was magnificent. He is a great captain who leads by example," said manager Gerard Houllier.

Gerrard also set up chances for Michael Owen and Harry Kewell which weren’t taken.

The midfield dynamo believes he may be able to go on a scoring run now. "I was pleased to get a goal. I always feel the goals will come if I keep getting into the box."

Now Gerrard is involved in a fascinating personal battle with England team-mates Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard to be crowned Lion of the Season.

The deadly trio each have three nominations at the top of the table.

Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards

Steven Gerrard 3
Frank Lampard 3
Paul Scholes 3

James Beattie 2
David Beckham 2
Wayne Rooney 2

Shola Ameobi 1
Jermain Defoe 1
Kieron Dyer 1
Anthony Gardner 1
Emile Heskey 1
Glen Johnson 1
James Milner 1
Stefan Moore 1
Luke Moore 1
Kevin Nolan 1
Jermaine Pennant 1
Michael Owen 1
John Terry 1

TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations.

Portugal v England


TheFA.com is the home of the England team.

TheFA.com will reveal Sven's squad to face Portugal and David Platt's squad to face Holland this Saturday night.

The match against Portugal takes place on Wednesday 18 February, kick-off 9.15pm. It will be live on Sky Sports and Radio 5-Live.

You can read all the best build-up to the match here on TheFA.com.