Joe Hart tipped for England captaincy by Manchester City team-mates Gareth Barry & James Milner

England's number one has been in impressive form this season, and now he is being tipping to lead his country at Euro 2012

By Alex Richards

Joe Hart & Gareth Barry, Manchester City
Getty Images

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been backed to become the next England captain by two of his Manchester City and England teammates.

After last week's decision by the Football Association to strip John Terry of the position, which ultimately led to Fabio Capello's resignation as national team manager, England are in need of a new skipper and both James Milner and Gareth Barry have lent their support to the 24-year-old.


"I'd give it to Joe, my friend" said Gareth Barry, who himself has captained his country in the past.

"Harty has been fantastic all season. It wasn't just against Villa [on Sunday] that he's made a world-class save, he's done it in a few games.

"That is why he is being talked about as one of the best in the world."

Hart is firmly established as England's number one, whilst the main protagonists for the England captaincy - Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker, Frank Lampard, Barry - are by no means guaranteed starters for their country, whilst another, Wayne Rooney, sits out the opening two matches at Euro 2012.

Milner has echoed Barry's sentiments, reckoning that Hart is as good an option as England could wish for.

"It's nothing to do with me in terms of the decision" Milner added. "But he is a great character, he talks, he is not afraid to say what he thinks.

"I'm sure he is going to be England's number one for a long time, so he is as good a candidate (for captain) as anyone.

"He has been absolutely unbelievable for us this season. He's a world-class goalkeeper, definitely one of the best I've played with, and he is going to get better and better as well."



 
play pause open close
 

EURO 2012 Live Update

Read More »
14:16 BST -  Germany are on the move, heading to Gdansk. Don't believe me? Here's proof:

Inside Goal.Com

  1. Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson

    The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place

  2. Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill

    The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley

  3. Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament

    The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms

  4. Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain

    The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?

  5. The Premier League targets in Euro 2012 Group A The Premier League targets in Euro 2012 Group A

    With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into a frenzy throughout this month's European Championships, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer