The Liverpool midfielder decided to call time on his spell with the Three Lions after 114 caps over the last 14 years.
And it brought a host of memories flooding back for the 34-year-old, with his senior England debut at Wembley against Ukraine in May 2000 remaining a fond moment in his life.
Steven Gerrard was England's captain for the final time at this summer's World Cup
"It was such a high, to run out at the old Wembley - it was a dream come true," admitted Gerrard, who had previously featured for England at Under-21 level.
"I'd watched many, many Cup Finals and international games at Wembley and only ever dreamed of running out to play a football match.
"I think I had 30 or 40 tickets in Wembley that night, people had travelled from the north to support me.
"To go out there for my England debut against Ukraine and share a pitch with the likes of Tony Adams, Alan Shearer, David Beckham and Paul Scholes - top players in their era - as a young 19-year-old was a phenomenal feeling.
"It's certainly one of the highlights of my international career - you always remember your debut."
Watch the full interview with Gerrard on his retirement from international football
Shortly after his England bow, which ended 2-0 to the Three Lions, Gerrard travelled to Belgium and Holland for the European Championship Finals under boss Kevin Keegan.
That was his first experience of a major tournament, one of six that he was involved in during his career with the national team.
And even though his involvement in that competition was minimal, he still believes it was an important learning curve for him as a player.
"When I was named in that group [Euro 2000], I really didn't think I was worthy or had the right to be there and involved on the pitch," he told TheFA.com.
"But it was a wonderful experience, and a vital experience, and it certainly helped me to grow.
"Getting that little taste of the action, what it's about and what is expected at that level, it certainly brought me on in leaps and bounds as a player."
Now Gerrard has seen a similar situation emerging within the current England squad, with a number of younger players forming part of the group which travelled to Brazil for this summer’s World Cup.
Steven Gerrard says he sees plenty of promise from young England like Raheem Sterling
That will be a vital step in their future development and despite the ultimate disappointment in South America this summer, Gerrard believes there are positive signs for the next few years with the next Euro Finals being held in France in 2016.
"The experience from the recent World Cup for the lads will be vital experience in their development," he added.
"In two years' time they'll know what’s expected, they'll know the pressure, they'll know the standard of players and opposition they are up against and they'll improve and raise their game even more.
"Things will be better in two years' time."
Watch the interview with Gerrard in the media player above.
