England’s skipper steps down from international duty…
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England’s talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard has retired from international duty with immediate effect, meaning his manager Roy Hodgson will need to appoint a new captain for Euro 2016 qualification campaign.
Here are the four favourites:
4) Joe Hart
One of the first names on the team sheet, Hart’s in contention because he’s one of the few players who are guaranteed a spot in the side. The Manchester City keeper is vocal, and organises his defence confidently. At 27-years-old, he’s maturing, and has every possibility of starting between the sticks for England for years to come. With 43 caps already to his name, he’s just about got the experience for the role too.
3) Wayne Rooney
Following Gerrard’s retirement, and the fact Frank Lampard is unlikely to be used in further squads, Rooney will be England’s most capped and most experienced player going forward. He could also skipper Manchester United next season as well now Nemanja Vidic has left Old Trafford – meaning interestingly, he could now captain a club where many fans don’t like him, and a country where many fans don’t rate him…
2) Gary Cahill
The England centre-back was one of Roy Hodgson’s best and most reliable performers at the World Cup, and with John Terry no longer available for international selection, Cahill is charged with marshalling the England defence. Centre-back is renowned as the best spot for captains to play, but the fact that Cahill doesn’t skipper his side at club level could work against him.
1) Phil Jagielka
There’s no guarantees that Jagielka will be an automatic selection in future England sides, but he captains Everton, and at 31-years-of-age, is perfectly experienced to take up the mantle. many fans though will argue that he isn’t a good enough player for the honour – following the likes of Steven Gerrard, John Terry and David Beckham.
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