Capello Puts His Faith in Gerrard
Steven Gerrard has been handed the captaincy for Fabio Capello's first match as England manager against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow night. Gerrard has been made skipper in the absence of the injured Chelsea defender John Terry, who had been appointed by Capello's predecessor Steve McClaren.
The Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was thought to be in contention to be Capello's on-field lieutenant against the Swiss, but the manager has turned to the safe option in Gerrard, who was also captain for McClaren's last game in charge against Croatia.
"I have done it because I think he is an important player for England, according to my plans," explained Capello. "He will be captain for this match."
Capello has already made it clear that he may experiment with other captaincy options before England launch their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign in September. Terry remains a contender for the role but has been given no assurances he will return as captain once he regains fitness.
The Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was thought to be in contention to be Capello's on-field lieutenant against the Swiss, but the manager has turned to the safe option in Gerrard, who was also captain for McClaren's last game in charge against Croatia.
"I have done it because I think he is an important player for England, according to my plans," explained Capello. "He will be captain for this match."
Capello has already made it clear that he may experiment with other captaincy options before England launch their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign in September. Terry remains a contender for the role but has been given no assurances he will return as captain once he regains fitness.
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