Gerrard should be England captain

Rio Ferdinand will soon be back at full fitness and that, inevitably, means Steven Gerrard’s tenure as England’s permanent captain will finally come to an end, writes Phil Thompson.

If I was Fabio Capello, though, I would have a re-jig. I've got nothing against Rio or John Terry and I have always thought they have been terrific leaders at the back.

But, in difficult times, Steven has been first class and enhanced his reputation; he should keep the armband for good.

He has spoken with intelligence and honesty every time he has faced the media, never failing to strike the right tone.

His performances have been terrific throughout this period, too, and I thought he was Man-of-the-Match in Tuesday's stroll against Switzerland - he set the tone, dictated the pace and dominated the midfield. He was terrific

It was great to see such a performance as I remember only too well standing in the same dressing room in the St Jakob Stadium he would have led England out of eight years ago when Gerard Houllier hauled him off as we trailed Basel 3-0.

Stevie was going through a few problems back then but we as a management team were not aware of them and Gerard did not spare him when we were on the verge of tumbling out of the Champions League in the group stages.

So it was fascinating to hear him speak about the incident with such dignity and class before England's game and showed how he has learned through every step of his career.

He is a role model in every sense - and should be England's skipper.

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