Leading England stars have expressed their delight at being part of The FA's 150th anniversary celebrations.

Steven Gerrard revealed his pride at being England captain as The FA prepares to commemorate its landmark year in 2013.

Liverpool star Gerrard was handed the Three Lions armband on a permanent basis by Manager Roy Hodgson in May.

And the 32-year-old could not hide his excitement at being one of the key participants in FA150.

He said: “It is a source of enormous pride to captain my country, and to do so in such a significant year is fantastic.

“The history of football in this country is immense and it is staggering to think next year it will be 150 years since the organisation came together.

“Football has been my life from a very young age and it is important that we celebrate the opportunities and benefits of the game.

“It brings people so much happiness and while I've travelled the world as a footballer there is nowhere in the world quite like our country for passion and enthusiasm."

England Women’s National Coach Hope Powell added: “2013 will be a really exciting year for The FA and I am already looking forward to being involved in it.

“Next year will also be 20 years since The FA took over the running of the women’s game in this country and we have made incredible strides over the last two decades.

“Football is now the most popular female team sport and we are third in terms of participation figures behind men’s football and men’s cricket.

“The FA WSL has just finished its second season and we are already starting to see the benefits of our first-ever semi-professional women’s league.

“On the international front, England have just qualified for Euro 2013 – our fifth consecutive appearance at a major Finals and we will be looking to make a good account of ourselves to help The FA mark what will undoubtedly be a big year.”

England Women’s skipper Casey Stoney also revealed her satisfaction at being part of the celebrations. She said: “To be an England captain in The FA's 150th year is something I'll be extremely proud of.

“The FA has really helped improve and raise the profile of the women's game and I know they are planning on doing even more in the next few years.

“It's also a massive year for us with the Euro Finals in Sweden and I'd love to win something with England.

“We've certainly got the ability, we just need to go out there and prove we are good enough to get over the finish line."