Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Steven Gerrard Handed England Captaincy

Steven Gerrard has been handed the captaincy for Fabio Capello’s first match as England manager.

The Liverpool midfielder will lead out the side for the friendly international with Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow night.

Gerrard has been made skipper in the absence of the injured Chelsea defender John Terry who had been appointed by Capello’s predecessor Steve McClaren.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was also thought to be in contention to be Capello’s on the field lieutenant against the Swiss.

But Capello has turned to the safe option in Gerrard who was also captain for McClaren’s last game in charge, the ill-fated Euro 2008 qualifier with Croatia at Wembley.

Capello said: “I have just informed my team before coming to see you that tomorrow’s captain against Switzerland will be Steven Gerrard.

“I have done it because I think he is an important player for England, according to my plans. He will be captain for this match.”

Capello has already made it clear he may experiment with other captaincy options before England launch their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign in September.

Terry remains a contender for the role but has been given no assurances he will return as captain once he regains fitness.

No comments: