"My whole family is from Liverpool and, being a Liverpool fan, I have been to watch Gerrard play," said Birchall, who qualifies to play for the Islanders because his mother was born there.
"I knew when the draw was made that if I was in the team he would be the one I'd be playing against. I've never played against him before but I'm just looking forward to it.
"He's been a class act for the last three or four seasons and any other day I'd be supporting him, but on this day I'll be trying to win the ball from him and going in for hard tackles with him because I know that's the kind of player he is and I'm the same really. I like going in for challenges and reputations count for nothing on that day.
"I am not a guy who suffers from nerves but maybe I will for this game because we'll be playing in front of 40-50,000 and I'll be playing against people who are my idols really.
"I hope we go as far as we can - but if we don't get so far then I hope England go on and win it."