Boro had not won in the league on the red half of Merseyside since 1976, and when Mido came off the bench to put them ahead with 20 minutes left that record looked likely to be consigned to history.

However, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher saw a 20-yard cross-shot deflect home off Boro skipper Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal with five minutes of regulation time remaining.

And worse was to follow as Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard fired a stunning stoppage-time winner to floor brave Boro.

England head coach Fabio Capello suggested in midweek that Gerrard is not fully fit, but he was still going strong in the 94th minute to deny Gareth Southgate's men.

"It was hard to take," said Southgate.

"The players were heartbroken in the dressing room.

"We deserved more, we certainly deserved a point.

"But I told them that they could leave Anfield with their heads high."

Southgate added: "We deserved more, we certainly deserved a point.

"We produced a disciplined performance and the two matches we have played so far have given me plenty of confidence.

"We beat Spurs last weekend and now we have very nearly beaten a side who can win the title.

"Their equaliser was a freak, and we should have been able to see out the game even at 1-1."