Been discussed extensively over the weekend, who would you have as captain now Terry has lost the armband? I'd go with Gerrard but also think Scott Parker is a good call.
I don't like Gerrard, but I guess he's the obvious choice. The armband's been meaningless since Beckham resigned anyway.
Has to be with a view to the future not a post 30 year old. Joe Hart for me. England regular for the next 10 years.
Looking beyond the tournament and into the future Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere and Phil Jones would appear good candidates for the captaincy when the old guard retire. Could well be the last tournament we see Cole, Terry and Ferdinand and with Gerrad probably after the 2014 World Cup.
Joe Hart. Guaranteed first choice for the next 10 years. Talks well, seems to be fairly vocal. I'm not sure you would even be able to say Gerrard or Parker are nailed on to play every game in the Euro's, never mind beyond that.
I'd wait until the squad was named for the summer. Name somebody now and you're effectively giving them a guaranteed spot on the plane even if they have the worst 4 months to end the season imaginable. It also means if you pick Gerrard and he gets injured again the person who ends up being captain isn't seen as a standin captain.
Gerrard; Arrogant, sulking thug who is injured 75% of the time. Rio Ferdinand; Arrogant, vain, all mouth and injured 90% of the time. Lampard; Good temperament but ready for retirement. Joe Hart; Decent player and character, but the goalie doesn't have enough influence on the outfield players. Ashley Cole; Has made himself into a joke off the pitch so wouldn't get the player's respect. Wayne Rooney: Captaincy couldn't make him more of moron, it might even improve him, but having a Neanderthal representing England would be too embarrassing. Scott Parker; Good captain material who's work ethic and determination would help him lead by example. Only question is whether he can hold down a regular first tem spot.
Hart would get it for me given that he is likely to start all games and last for ages as you said. don't like the idea of having a keeper as captain though, it should be a centreback or defensive mid.
Ideally the captain would probably be a CB or defensive midfielder, but there aren't any better options. There is no clear option at CB. We don't know who will be starting there. I suppose Jones is a fairly good bet, but I wouldn't be keen to put even more pressure on him by making him captain in his very first tournament. I wouldn't be against Parker, but he isn't exactly a nailed on starter. Gerrard, Lampard, Barry etc... all good competition for that spot. Then there aren't any options up front. Especially as I hope we give Welbeck and Sturridge a chance to start for England rather than Rooney who constantly fails, and decent/good players who may get goals in the Premier League, but won't win you a World Cup such as Bent and Zamora.
One thing is for sure. Cappelo won't be putting too much thought into it, as he has already said "in Italy it's no big deal who is captain,we just make the oldest player captain". I think that way is probably the right way to go,as a leader on the pitch,will be a leader on the pitch anyway,with or without an arm band. That said,i do wish we'd sack the curnt !
I'd also have had Terry but as the most important thing these days is what happens off the pitch, go for someone who isn't already a big name player and it would hopefully mean the media are less bothered about him and might even give him a break. These players that we all love at the moment, such as Hart and Jones, will probably be loathed by the country in the next 10 years because the glossy magazines tell us to. Given the circumstances I'd just wait until the squad is picked or pick someone like Parker.