Rio Ferdinand has already ruled himself out, so will a Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea or Manchester City player get the nod to succeed John Terry?
Steven Gerrard
Gerrard is an obvious choice after captaining England at World Cup 2010. But that was hardly a roaring success, with his leadership being undermined by a failed coup by John Terry.
Could the same happen again if Gerrard is chosen? There are also question marks over Gerrard’s fitness, he missed nearly all of 2011 and he is just easing himself back in.
His form by no means guarantees him a place either, currently he would be selected on reputation alone, and has plenty to work on between now and the end of the season. Verdict: A safe bet so long as he stays injury free.
Scott Parker
Parker would be the choice of many pundits, likely the ones who voted him Football Writers Player of the Year last season. If he was made captain it would top an astonishing rise for a man deemed not good enough by Fabio Capello for the 2010 World Cup.
That backtracking could be enough to dissuade Capello from giving Parker the captaincy nod.
The Spurs midfielder has been incredibly consistent this season and with Wilshere’s injury worries Parker at this stage has to be seen as a guaranteed starter. Verdict: A brave but unlikely choice.
Wayne Rooney
If it was not for his suspension Rooney would be considered a front runner for the job. Despite his aggression and temperament worries, Rooney has previously come out and said he want to be England captain one day.
However with the talisman suspended for England’s first two games, it would be a pointless gesture as Capello would have to appoint a vice-captain who would have to immediately step up.
His red card in Montenegro is looking more costly by the day. Verdict: A non-starter, literally.
Frank Lampard
The Chelsea midfielder is one who can profit from Jack Wilshere’s potential absence.
He netted the winner against Spain at the end of last year to reinforce claims he should be in Capello’s starting line up, even if his many detractors disagree.
Despite reservations, he would be another safe choice and his experience makes him a player many of the squad’s youngsters will look up to. Verdict: A strong possibility but a divisive choice among supporters.
Joe Hart
One of the few players whose starting place is guaranteed, Hart’s form has been superb this season and he can lead by example.
He is also a very vocal character and will have no qualms about shouting at his defence if they are not up to scratch. He is one of England’s few genuinely world class players and is well worth considering.
Verdict: A big contender, so long as it does not distract from his goalkeeping.
– Who do you think should be England captain for Euro 2012?
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