Eriksson : 'Absolute leader '

Former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has picked Steven Gerrard as his favourite for the Player of the Year award.



At St. George's Park on Sunday night, all 24 England teams will be a part of the inaugural FA England Awards.



And Three Lions captain Gerrard is in line for one of the eleven prizes up for grabs.



The Liverpool midfielder was on the five-man shortlist in the running for the Senior's Player of 2012. Fans voted for their choice via an online poll on TheFA.com throughout December and early January, but we have to wait until Sunday to find out who's claimed the trophy.



Eriksson, who was in charge of England for 67 games from 2001-2006, handed Gerrard the England armband for the first time when they faced Sweden in 2004.



He believes that Gerrard's leadership in 2012 would make him the perfect choice for the award.



“It would be Steven Gerrard for me, he is the captain of the team and played very well last year for England," Eriksson told TheFA.com



“It was very easy for me as England Manager to have Steven Gerrard in my team, to work with him was very easy.

Gerrard gets Sven's vote for the 'Player Of The Year' Prize.

"He is a fantastic football player, he can attack, his passing is outstanding and he can score goals. He is very good at defending and is one of the best midfielders you can find in the world."



Eriksson added: “Steven was captain for the first time under me, against Sweden, and he has grown from that moment.



"He is a leader, absolutely. When he speaks everyone listens, no doubts about that.”