Pearce gives Gerrard thumbs-up

Interim England coach Stuart Pearce has confirmed Steven Gerrard will end his 15-month international exile against Holland.

Gerrard has not played for England since their friendly defeat to France in November 2010. It means he missed the stellar year that ended with Scott Parker being crowned England's player of 2011.

Indeed, Gerrard has never even been on the pitch at the same time as Parker, who he is expected to partner in the England midfield against Holland at Wembley. All that will change on Wednesday evening, whether Gerrard is named as skipper or not, with Pearce saying: "I would fully expect Steven to play."

He added: "He has not been on an international football pitch for a long time. It would be folly for a player of his quality not to figure in a game of this magnitude.

"He is as good as it gets in this nation - both what he does on the pitch and how he is around the camp. We are pleased to have him back."

Gerrard is favourite to inherit the captain's armband sensationally stripped from John Terry earlier this month, a move that triggered Fabio Capello's dramatic exit.

The 31-year-old cannot be certain of getting it though, with Joe Hart, James Milner and Parker also being mentioned.

All will become clear on Wednesday morning though, with Pearce due to tell his players at 10am of a decision he still feels has huge significance.

"Captaining England was the proudest moment of my career," said Pearce.

"If I feel that in my heart I can't take the decision lightly. I can only view it as I see it. When you play for your country that is the true pinnacle of anyone's career. That is still the case."