With David Beckham missing due to injury, Gerrard was captaining his country for the first time on the occasion of his 22nd cap.

"It was disappointing to lose and it was a difficult game. Sweden didn’t give us any time on the ball, and the conditions were not easy. But we had some good chances to score a couple of goals so it was disappointing to go in level at half-time and then lose the game," said Gerrard.

"We obviously missed our big names and the quality they bring, but the lads who came in did well. I though Jermain Defoe looked very lively and got some nice shots in. He’s strong for his size.

"Sven had an agreement with the various managers that we would not all play a full game because we’ve all got big games for our clubs coming up."

England had the better of the first half and were unlucky to lose a match which saw plenty of youngsters get some invaluable experience.

"The manager tried a few things out and switched things about, and we were always likely to miss the quality and experience that some of our bigger names would have brought."

After 21 matches without a defeat, Gerrard's unbeaten record in an England had to go sooner or later but the Liverpool man was just glad it happened in a friendly match.

"I was very proud to wear the captain’s armband. I really enjoyed that. It was strange – I was disappointed with the scoreline and at the same very proud to captain my country.

"My undefeated record with England has gone, which is a shame, but it was going to happen one day, and it’s better that it went in a friendly than a competitive game."