Gerrard to lead England
Tuesday, 05 February, 2008
Fabio Capello has confirmed that Steven Gerrard will captain England for Wednesday's friendly at Wembley.
England v Switzerland
International Friendly
8pm, Wednesday 6 February 2008
Wembley Stadium
Fabio Capello has revealed his reason for naming Steven Gerrard as captain for England's friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on Wednesday.
The Liverpool midfielder, who is due to skipper the side in the absence of John Terry, has not been given the job on a permanent basis, and Capello will make that decision ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra in September.
"Gerrard will be captain for this match," said the Italian coach.
"I have done it because I think he is an important player for England, according to my plans.
"He is a player who can pass on and transmit things to other players and inspire them."
The Liverpool midfielder will lead the side out against Switzerland, becoming the first skipper under Capello's reign. It will be Gerrard's seventh match as captain.
Gerrard, recently voted England Player of the Year for 2007 by the fans, has captained England for the previous four games in John Terry's absence.
The 61-year-old has given no further indication as to the personnel likely to form the rest of the team and refused to comment on the likelihood of David Beckham winning his 100th cap in the future.
"It is my custom to tell the players the team before we leave the hotel for the match.
"I respect David Beckham for all of the things we did together at Real Madrid, but at the moment the most important people are those who will play on Wednesday, not the ones who are at home."
