Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has praised Steven Gerrard ahead of their friendly clash with England.

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker described the national captain as “fantastic” in the build up to the game during which the midfielder is set to win his 100th cap.

It was feared that the Liverpool hero may be unfit to face Ibrahimovic’s side, but scans have cleared him of a suspected knee injury suffered against Chelsea.

The 31-year-old centre-forward believes the Three Lions' skipper is unlike other English players and deserves to reach the milestone in his career:

"I think Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player. He has been loyal to his club, he has won some big trophies with the club.” He is quoted by SkySports.

"He always plays at a high level when he is not injured. He is a very good person to have as a team-mate in your team.

“He always gives 200%, is a good fighter and has good skills and a good touch with the ball also.

"He feels more like an international player rather than a normal English player.

“English players have big hearts always fighting, very aggressive but for me Gerrard for me feels more international.

“He has more skills than the normal player."

Ibrahimovic is no stranger to playing alongside big name players having spent time at Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan during his career.