In wake of the recent strip John Terry’s England captaincy, we way up the best 3 options for the three lions band to find a a reliable, strong and effective leader going into the Euro 2012 finals.
Steven Gerrard
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Gerrard is the obvious choice, and clear bookmakers favourite. With nearly 90 international caps to his name and 9 years experiencing in captaining Liverpool under his belt, Gerrard does, on paper appear the perfect solution for Fabio Capello. Despite the England boss naming Manchester Utd star Rio Ferdinand as the successor to John Terry in 2010, persistent injuries meant Gerrard led England through the 2010 World Cup campaign, and the early stages of 2012 qualification, before Terry regained the armband.
Little can be contested that Gerrard has the experience to lead the England team, but if Capello is looking a solid captain for the future, the Liverpool legend may not prove so smart. At 31, he only has a few years at best left at international level, and increasingly persistent injuries could begin to take their toll. Gerrard hasn’t played for England since November 2010 and with Capello’s proposed plans to re-build the team with a new crop after a failed World Cup, there was always the distinct possibility that Gerrard wouldn’t even travel to Euro 2012, even more so if Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere was fit for the season. So is a player not certain of a place really worthy of the captain’s armband?
Who else is saying it? – Former England Managers Graham Taylor and Terry Venables, Arsenal legend Ian Wright and former Newcastle strike Alan Shearer.
Caps: 89
Age: 31
Odds*: 4/5 (1.8/1)
Scott Parker
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The punter’s choice, and going by Twitter, Parker is the perfect candidate for the role. A calm, level – headed professional who exuberates class with every touch on the pitch. Surely he’s the perfect person? He’s been excellent for Tottenham this season, but again at 31, he’s hardly a choice for the future. A short term solution possibly, Parker may be a leader, but he has never lead in such a high profile way and throwing him into fierce scrutiny of the role so close to the finals could very well backfire.
Who else says it? – Iconic singer/songwriter Billy Bragg, Daily Mirror Chief Sport Writer Oliver Holt.
Caps: 10
Age: 31
Odds* – 9/2 ( 5.5/1)
Joe Hart
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A formidable figure, Hart has commanded the #1 jersey for both Manchester City and England in the last 18 months, and for the first time since Seaman, England have an obvious choice between the sticks. If Hart remains fit, and continues to develop at the rate he has done, he can stay #1 for the next 10 years. He is clearly commanding of his defence and a popular personality within the dressing room, and at 24, he is arguably old, and mature enough to take on the ultimate role.
There are vastly more experienced players at just 16 caps, and no experience at big tournaments but Hart has the temperament to deal with it. What England needs is a settled captain, so the issue can be firmly put to bed and the team can concentrate on playing, rather than placing too much emphasis on a status that other top ranked teams hold little value in.
The same case may be made for Hart as Parker, in that he is too inexperienced, but as a mature head on young shoulders, he seems the perfect long term solution for England, going far past the Capello era which looks set to finish after 2012.
Who else says so? – Legendary commentator Jon Motson.
Caps: 16
Age: 24
Odds* – 6/1
NERVE’S PICK: JOE HART
*Odds according the Sky Bet on 03/02/12
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