Gerrard tops scoring charts for British players in Europe

Steven Gerrard, who captained England to a 3-1 victory over Egypt in a friendly at Wembley last week, is the top scorer among British players in European club football.

The Liverpool skipper scored the third goal against Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni in a Europa League match at the Steaua Stadium a few weeks back to set a new record. He has now netted 33 times in European competitions, taking him past Alan Shearer as the leading British scorer.

"From a personal point of view, it's always great to break records," Gerrard remarked.

"Some of my goals have come against weak opposition, so I don't think it's fair to put me above the likes of Alan Shearer. To be mentioned in the same breath as that great man is always a pleasure.

"But what is more pleasing is to progress into the next round of the Europa League."

Gerrard's debut goal in Europe came at Olympiakos in the UEFA Cup third round first leg, as Liverpool won 2-0 (other goal from Nick Barmby) on November 23, 2000.

Goals to remember

May 16, 2001: In the UEFA Cup final against Spanish side Alaves (16th minute) that Liverpool won 5-4 with a golden goal at the Westfalen Stadium in Dortmund.

October 16, 2001: Champions League group phase: Dynamo Kiev-Liverpool 1-2 (66th minute). Phil Thompson managed the side for the first time since Gerrard Houllier was in hospital.

February 16, 2004: UEFA Cup third round first leg: Liverpool-Levski Sofia 2-0 (66th minute).

March 3, 2004: UEFA Cup third round second leg: Levski Sofia-Liverpool 2-4 (6th minute). Houllier's 50th European game in charge of the side.

August 10, 2004: Champions League third qualifying round first leg: Graz AK-Liverpool 0-2 (23rd and 79th minute). Gerrard's first double in Europe. Four players made debut, including Djibril Cisse.

December 8, 2004: Champions League first group phase: Liverpool-Olympiakos 3-1 (86th minute). Gerrard's second goal against the Greeks after his scoring debut.

May 25, 2005: Champions League final at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul where Liverpool won their fifth European Cup 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out against Milan after a 3-3 draw in extra time (54th minute). Gerrard's second final in which he scored for the Reds. He was not among the penalty-takers.

July 13, 2005: Champions League first qualifying round first leg: Liverpool-Total Network Solutions 3-0 (8th, 21st and 90th minute). First Gerrard hat-trick in the continent that took his overall tally to 12.

July 19, 2005: Champions League first qualifying round second leg: Total Network Solutions-Liverpool 0-3 (85th, 86th minute).

July 26, 2005: Champions League second qualifying round second leg: FBK Kaunas-Liverpool 1-3 (54th minute penalty). Jamie Carragher netted his first goal in six-and-a-half years.

August 2, 2005: Champions League second qualifying round second leg: Liverpool-FBK Kaunas 2-0 (77th minute). Gerrard netted his seventh goal in four qualifying matches in the competition.

October 31, 2006: Champions League group phase: Liverpool-Bordeaux 3-0 (71st minute). Rafa Benitez named the same side for the first time in 100 games.

November 22, 2006: Champions League group phase: Liverpool-PSV Eindhoven 2-0 (65th minute).

April 3, 2007: Champions League quarter-final first leg: PSV Eindhoven-Liverpool 0-3 (27th minute).

October 24, 2007: Champions League group phase: Besiktas-Liverpool 2-1 (85th minute).

November 6, 2007: Champions League group phase: Liverpool-Besiktas 8-0 (69th minute). Yossi Benayoun scored a hat-trick in the biggest win in Champions League history.

November 28, 2007: Champions League group phase: Liverpool-FC Porto 4-1 (82nd minute penalty).

December 11, 2007: Champions League group phase: Marseille-Liverpool 0-4 (Gerrard 4th minute). Gerrard claimed record as club top scorer in Europe.

February 19, 2008: Champions League round knockout first leg: Liverpool-Inter 2-0 (88th minute).

April 8, 2008: Champions League quarter-finals second leg: Liverpool-Arsenal 4-2 (86th minute penalty).

September 16, 2008: Champions League group phase: Marseille-Liverpool 1-2 (26th, 32nd minute penalty).

October 1, 2008: Champions League group phase: Liverpool-PSV Eindhoven 3-1 (76th minute). Gerrard scored his 100th goal for the club in all competitions.

November 4, 2008: Champions League group phase: Liverpool-Atletico Madrid 1-1 (90th minute penalty).

November 26, 2008: Champions League group phase: Liverpool-Marseille 1-0 (23rd minute).

March 10, 2009: Champions League first round knockout second leg: Liverpool-Real Madrid 4-0 (28th minute penalty, 47th minute).

February 25, 2010: Europa League third round knockout second leg: FC Unirea Urziceni-Liverpool 1-3 (57th minute).

Record feats

•Gerrard found the net in two finals, both won by Liverpool − against Alaves 5-4 in the UEFA Cup and in showdown with Milan in the memorable 3-3 draw that the Reds went on to win on penalties.

•He took part in only one European match that Liverpool lost after he scored during the 90 minutes − vs Besiktas 1-2 away.

•Gerrard was also part of the side that achieved a record 8-0 win in the Champions League - against Turkish side Besiktas at Anfield.

•Midfielder Gerrard netted one hat-trick for Liverpool in European matches.

•His total of 33 goals can be divided as follows: First half - 11 nettings; second half − 22 goals.