Steven Gerrard is the latest in a long and distinguished line of Liverpool FC players to have pulled on the England shirt and represented his country at the very highest level. Considering the record of success at Anfield, it’s not surprising that the club can boast an impressive roll of international honours. From Michael Owen’s stunning impact in 1998 back to Roger Hunt’s goals in 1966 – the Anfield outfit are certainly prominent in the England World Cup story.

This year, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher (along with Glen Johnson) have been named in England’s 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup in South Africa. Two of the club’s most recognisable and respected players, Carragher and Gerrard personify Liverpool’s deeply held passion for the game with a keen hunger for success. Both players were born on Merseyside and climbed through the ranks of Liverpool’s academy –  amassing over 800 appearances between them and counting. Their enduring popularity with Liverpool fans was reflected in a 2006 poll of ‘Players Who Shook the Kop’, which placed Gerrard and Carragher at second and seventh respectively.

Former Liverpool forward and World Cup winner Roger Hunt is thirteenth in the list, a sign of his enduring popularity with Liverpool fans. ‘Sir’ Roger, as he is known by Liverpool’s fans, was prolific for both club and country. Not even Ian Rush succeeded in improving on Hunt’s record of 245 league goals in 404 appearances. Hunt scored 3 goals in the ’66 World Cup, playing in all 6 matches. In addition to his goal-scoring abilities, Hunt is remembered for his tireless work rate and willingness to make life difficult for defenders. Hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst often refers to his former international teammate when discussing England’s controversial second goal against West Germany. Hunt, Hurst suggests, was in place to put the ball over the line had the goal not been awarded by the linesman, Tofik Bakhramov.

The club has amassed a great haul of silverware over the years. With five European Cups (including the 2005 Champions League triumph), 18 League titles, seven FA Cups and seven League Cups – the reds of Merseyside are firmly established among Europe’s elite. Let’s hope Anfield’s latest generation of England international can follow in Roger Hunt’s footsteps by helping the team bring the World Cup trophy back to Wembley.

 

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