Many pundits and current footballers have in recent weeks backed Steven Gerrard to become the next England captain following the FA's decision to strip John Terry from the captaincy. However, Gerrard's past is far from clean and whilst he has come through previous accusations and assault charges without a guilty charge to his name it seems strange that the FA would pick an individual whose background was not completely clean after sacking Terry (who has been accused of racial abuse, but has not yet been tried in court) stipulating that the England captain must be an individual who could be a role model for English football. This subject has been much debated, however my biggest concern after watching Gerrard today was that in his current state he looks far from being the international footballer he once was and surely even his place in the team should be in jeopardy. Gerrard has suffered from a number of injuries in recent times and he certainly looked rusty today. His captaincy credentials should also be questioned after the lack of discipline a frustrated Gerrard showed today with his seemingly high elbow on a Cardiff player and his obvious dissent towards referee Mark Clattenburg during the match. The FA should be looking to appoint a captain whose place is assured in the England squad and on present form (Gerrard may come back from this) he should not even be considered for England captain as there is no guarantee he would be starting. Anyone have any objective thoughts on the matter; should Steven Gerrard be England captain or even an England player?
He's still quality, though admittedly he didn't really show it today. He's a genuinely inspirational captain though, and in the absence of Terry (long may it continue) he's the natural option. And he does have a knack of popping up with a goal when it really matters.
I still think he's our best chance of any success this year. An in form Gerrard is a top 5 player in the world. Granted he's only really hit those heights with Liverpool but that's because he's given free reign. I also understand he's now in decline as a player. I'd stick him as captain and tell him to go out there and win us the tournament. I don't see any other player capable of filling that role and being able to inspire the rest of the team. I'd actually have Scholes if he could be persuaded back in the side.
The two things he is good at - passing/crossing and shooting - were way off today. If he has a bad day regarding those two attributes he's no use to anyone.
Poor performance from him today. As for captain? Nearly all the regulars have questionable character, Gerrard, Terry, Rooney, Cole. Joe Hart for me, but no one likes a goalkeeper captain. Anyway our new captain will be scotty Parker. 'Arry loves him
Surely you are joking? You can't typecast Gerrard as only good at passing and Shooting. He has an exceptional pass and shot 90% of the time. He can tackle, head a ball, has great vision, good pace. He's a player that can do everything. Just because he's off form (primarily due to the amount of injuries) does not suddenly make him a bad player.
He should never play for England again.He has had his chance,he never took it,he rarely played well in an England t-shirt.
Whatever, I don't profess to be an expert on him but he seems to be a shadow of his former goalscoring self.
That's a fair comment. I still think he has something to offer. I'd prefer Gerrard to Lampard any day of the week in an England shirt and I'm yet to see a midfielder that can better occupy a role for England than Gerrard.
It's either one or the other with Frank and Steve. I agree that Gerrard gives more to the team when he plays for England.
None of which would fill the role which Gerrard plays. Wilshere is injured, Rodwell is not exactly setting the world alight and as for Carrick !!! Parker is quality, I accept that but he would compliment Gerrard not replace him.
Once Wilshere comes back from injury he'll be in the england squad.Rodwell is a good player and so is Carrick.
Rodwell isn't getting enough game time, and Carrick is a slower and less versatile version of Gerrard. Wilshere is quality though.
None of them players are anywhere near the standard of gerrard, gerrard is one of the only players who actually cares about the england squad, and for me him rooney and hart our are only good players
The sooner we start to look past the current shower of sh!t the better. Can't believe that numpty capello was paid £4 million a year (or something stupid like that) to create such an on field shambles and off field laughing stock. The captaincy as well as the managerial post should be given to someone on merit alone... Joe Hart would be my only choice and who cares if noone likes a keeper as captain. Whoever lands the managers job should choose wisely, as it will define his reign before it even begins...
