After all, the venue, opposition and team-mates might be different but the outcome was still the same. Beaten, in a quarter-final, on penalties. Again.

“My initial thought was ’not again’,” said Gerrard of the Euro 2012 loss to Italy.

“I was confident going into the shoot-out. When our penalty takers were named I thought ’this is us: last four’.

“But taking a penalty in a tournament for England is a million times more difficult than taking one in a normal situation.

“Maybe other countries don’t think that but they haven’t experienced the disappointment we have. That’s three times now for me. I don’t think any other international player would have experienced that.”

So, Gerrard thought about whether to carry on.

And when he wondered about the prospect of partnering Jack Wilshere in midfield - as he might well do in the Friends Arena tomorrow - and precocious talent such as Wilfried Zaha, also in Stockholm but weighing up whether to commit his future to England or the Ivory Coast - the answer was pretty clear.

“When you are my age and have another disappointment with England it (quitting) crosses your mind,” he said.

“After the Italy disappointment, I had a decision to make.

“But knowing players like Jack were coming through made me feel it was worth hanging about and carrying on for a couple more years to see if things change.

“If we can produce more players on Jack’s level, maybe we have got a chance of going far in a tournament.”

Over the past couple of days, Gerrard might also have been bending Zaha’s ear.

After all, a big decision is looming for the youngster over where he should commit his international future.

Tomorrow night’s friendly will not be the clincher.

The African Nations Cup in January probably will be, with Didier Drogba anxious for Zaha to commit himself to the Ivory Coast, the country of his birth.

If nothing else, Gerrard will ensure Zaha is as relaxed as possible in such a strange environment.

“I don’t want any of these young lads to fear me,” he said.

“I’m approachable. The first thing I do when someone is new into the group is speak to them because I know how intimidating this set-up can be, especially for Wilfried.

“He has come from the Championship and is not playing against these players every week, so doesn’t get a chance to speak to them.

“I told him if he needs anything, I am here.”