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England Debate: Who Will Be Fabio Capello's Captain At The 2010 World Cup?
Goal.com UK looks at the leading candidates to skipper the Three Lions.
Feb 3, 2010 4:00:00 AM
By Matt Monaghan
The explosive revelations about John Terry and his affair with Wayne Bridge's girlfriend have led to widespread calls that the Chelsea defender should no longer be England captain.
The 29-year-old is set to learn his fate in a meeting with manager Fabio Capello by the end of the week.
The Italian can look to a star-studded squad of some of English football's finest names to replace Terry if he decides that demotion is the only way forward.
With the help of Goal.com's betting editor, Patrick Reilly, we look at the leading contenders to wear the armband in South Africa for the upcoming World Cup.
Name: John Terry
Age: 29
Club: Chelsea
Position: Centre-back
International caps: 58
Why?
Natural born leaders are a rare commodity and the Chelsea stopper fits in to this exclusive category. England waltzed to the top of their qualifying group for the World Cup and Terry was the man who led the Three Lions to this dominant position.
When his team-mates look for a role model on the pitch, Terry's refusal to give a yard to the opposition provides the backbone to England's hopes. His experience of lifting silverware with Chelsea could transmit to this summer's festivities.
Why not?
Team spirit is just as important as ability if a country hopes to lift the World Cup. Terry's indiscretions are rumored to have caused a split in the camp and put doubts in the mind of the Football Association committee tasked with handling the captaincy.
Capello is a stickler for discipline and the latest in a line of controversial stories caused by Terry's off-the-pitch indiscretions could be the final straw. Manager and player meet before the end of this week, with Terry sure to be sweating about the outcome.
What the bookies say:
Patrick Reilly - Goal.com betting correspondent: - 5/6 favorite - "The current skipper has waited all his life to wear the armband and will not give it up without a fight. Coach Fabio Capello doesn't bow to media pressure, just ask David Beckham when he was frozen out at Real Madrid."
Name: Steven Gerrard
Age: 29
Club: Liverpool
Position: Centre midfield
Caps: 77
Why?
Few players wear the badge on their shirt with as much pride as Gerrard. Whether dragging Liverpool to victory or fighting for the Three Lions, the Scouser has been nothing short of inspirational throughout his glory-filled career.
Responsibility has never fazed him and he has worn the Liverpool armband for seven years. Experience of that nature cannot be bought and will be noted by Capello when considering his options.
Why not?
Successive England managers have seen fit to deny Gerrard the captaincy and this situation might not change now. Capello narrowed down the search for a skipper to his center-backs when he took over the post, and if this situation hasn't changed, Liverpool's leader could be out of luck again.
Gerrard has also been plagued by worries over his form and fitness this season. Capello may not want to add to the burden on his shoulders and could just leave him to concentrate on boarding the plane in the best physical shape.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 5/2 - "Like Terry he's had his fair share of drama off the pitch but is popular with his team-mates, which may not be the case for Terry now, and has captained Liverpool since 2003.
His odds have been steadily dropping and would be the wise choice if the armband is to go elsewhere."
Name: Wayne Rooney
Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Position: Striker
International caps: 57
Why?
England's inspiration is a natural born leader. Every game, Rooney gives blood, sweat and tears to the cause to ensure his side fire past the winning post.
His team-mates already look to him to make the breakthrough and ability commands instant respect. Another number 10 - Diego Maradona - led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 and many would hope that Rooney could do the same thing this summer.
Why not?
Rooney has rocketed up the scoring charts this season, but Sir Alex Ferguson rarely trusts him with the captain's armband. The Scot believes Rooney should be left to concentrate solely on playing and Capello could be of the same mind.
Memories of the red-mist descending on him at the last World Cup - when he was sent off for a stamp on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho - may also count against Rooney if the Italian decides to make a change.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 6/1 - "Enjoying a sparkling season at club level, Rooney's odds have dropped from 10/1 to 6/1 in recent days and is the dark horse to succeed Terry.
"Still enjoys a hot-headed reputation but will surely be named player of the year and captaining his country would cap a marvelous season. Worth a punt."
Name: Rio Ferdinand
Age: 31
Club: Manchester United
Position: Centre-back
Caps: 76
Why?
Ferdinand pushed Terry to the wire to become England's captain in 2008 and now could be the time for him to take over. The Manchester United defender is a world-class performer and a certainty to be on the plane to South Africa.
When available, Ferdinand's is one of the first names on Capello's team sheet. Sir Alex Ferguson has also seen fit to name him skipper in Gary Neville's absence and it was he who lifted the Champions League trophy for the club.
Why not?
When a manager hands out the armband he has to be certain his chosen man will be around, and unfortunately, Capello has to have doubts. An
injury-plagued year has seen Ferdinand on the sidelines too often for comfort.
A slide in fitness has also coincided with a downturn in form. Embarrassing slip-ups like the one against the Netherlands last August could be on Capello's mind and he will want his star defender to concentrate solely on staying injury-free.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 10/1 - "Unlikely. Passed over for the captaincy before by Don Fabio and given his recent injury record he may not even be a starter when England kick-off against the USA on June 12th."
Name: David Beckham
Age: 34
Club: A.C. Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy
Position : Right wing
International caps: 115
Why?
England's most capped outfield player is a unique figure in the world game. He is the icon of English football throughout the world and captained the team for six years.
Beckham skippered the Three Lions at two World Cups and a European Championship before relinquishing his duties. If his nation needs a steadying influence to take over from Terry, no player could fit the bill as comfortably.
Why not?
Time catches up with even the greatest of players, and at 34, Beckham's role has been restricted to that of the 'super-sub.'
Capello favored speed merchants Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott over Beckham in the World Cup qualifying campaign. It is impossible to take the job from the sidelines.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 14/1 - "No stranger to wearing the armband, he would go into the history books for leading his side at three consecutive World Cups if he pulled off his latest comeback trick.
"Given that Becks is likely to be an impact substitute it's doubtful but a nice idea nonetheless."
Name: Frank Lampard
Age: 31
Club: Chelsea
Position: Centre midfield
Caps: 76
Why?
A remarkable turnaround in the eyes of the England fans has transformed Lampard from pariah to star performer. Manager Capello has placed him at the heart of his side and Lampard has delivered more than just his trademark supply of goals.
Lampard also shadows Terry as vice-captain at Chelsea and fills in whenever the current skipper is unavailable. If Terry is forced to step aside for his country, this relationship could be repeated.
Why not?
Whenever names have been thrown in to the hat for the captaincy in the past, Lampard was never considered a lead candidate. Preferring to let his football do the talking, he isn't the type of vocal leader traditionally associated with the role.
Lampard has stood back and allowed Tery to guide Chelsea to the top of the sport. The status quo is expected to continue at club level.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 14/1 - "Has filled in for Terry as captain at club level but whether he would relish the chance to to do so at international level, in the wake of this scandal, is another matter.
"The problem is Terry is his best mate and he could find it hard to step into his shoes."
Name: Gareth Barry
Age: 28
Club: Manchester City
Position: Centre midfield
International caps: 35
Why?
Center midfielders make great captains and Barry is at the hub of the England operation. The City battler holds the team together and has to see the whole picture to perform effectively.
Barry served as captain at former club Aston Villa for two successful seasons and at 28 is in the prime of his career. Such is his influence in the dressing room, he was even considered to be City's captain just weeks after his arrival in the north west of England.
Why not?
The potential return of Owen Hargreaves from his injury nightmare could send Barry to the England substitutes' bench. Capello is a confirmed fan of the Manchester United player and a comeback could be a massive set-back to Barry's hopes of starting at the World Cup.
Barry has also only recently established himself as a feature in the England fold, becoming a regular in the last two years. His experience shrinks in comparison to that of the other candidates.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 33/1 - "Another contender before Terry got the nod. Has led his country at under-age level and did the job to acclaim at Aston Villa.
"Good as he is, Barry isn't England captain material and the odds reflect that."
Odds supplied from Titan Bet
For the latest news and updates from Goal.com, follow our Twitter account!
The explosive revelations about John Terry and his affair with Wayne Bridge's girlfriend have led to widespread calls that the Chelsea defender should no longer be England captain.
The 29-year-old is set to learn his fate in a meeting with manager Fabio Capello by the end of the week.
The Italian can look to a star-studded squad of some of English football's finest names to replace Terry if he decides that demotion is the only way forward.
With the help of Goal.com's betting editor, Patrick Reilly, we look at the leading contenders to wear the armband in South Africa for the upcoming World Cup.
Name: John TerryAge: 29
Club: Chelsea
Position: Centre-back
International caps: 58
Why?
Natural born leaders are a rare commodity and the Chelsea stopper fits in to this exclusive category. England waltzed to the top of their qualifying group for the World Cup and Terry was the man who led the Three Lions to this dominant position.
When his team-mates look for a role model on the pitch, Terry's refusal to give a yard to the opposition provides the backbone to England's hopes. His experience of lifting silverware with Chelsea could transmit to this summer's festivities.
Why not?
Team spirit is just as important as ability if a country hopes to lift the World Cup. Terry's indiscretions are rumored to have caused a split in the camp and put doubts in the mind of the Football Association committee tasked with handling the captaincy.
Capello is a stickler for discipline and the latest in a line of controversial stories caused by Terry's off-the-pitch indiscretions could be the final straw. Manager and player meet before the end of this week, with Terry sure to be sweating about the outcome.
What the bookies say:
Patrick Reilly - Goal.com betting correspondent: - 5/6 favorite - "The current skipper has waited all his life to wear the armband and will not give it up without a fight. Coach Fabio Capello doesn't bow to media pressure, just ask David Beckham when he was frozen out at Real Madrid."
Name: Steven GerrardAge: 29
Club: Liverpool
Position: Centre midfield
Caps: 77
Why?
Few players wear the badge on their shirt with as much pride as Gerrard. Whether dragging Liverpool to victory or fighting for the Three Lions, the Scouser has been nothing short of inspirational throughout his glory-filled career.
Responsibility has never fazed him and he has worn the Liverpool armband for seven years. Experience of that nature cannot be bought and will be noted by Capello when considering his options.
Why not?
Successive England managers have seen fit to deny Gerrard the captaincy and this situation might not change now. Capello narrowed down the search for a skipper to his center-backs when he took over the post, and if this situation hasn't changed, Liverpool's leader could be out of luck again.
Gerrard has also been plagued by worries over his form and fitness this season. Capello may not want to add to the burden on his shoulders and could just leave him to concentrate on boarding the plane in the best physical shape.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 5/2 - "Like Terry he's had his fair share of drama off the pitch but is popular with his team-mates, which may not be the case for Terry now, and has captained Liverpool since 2003.
His odds have been steadily dropping and would be the wise choice if the armband is to go elsewhere."
Name: Wayne RooneyAge: 24
Club: Manchester United
Position: Striker
International caps: 57
Why?
England's inspiration is a natural born leader. Every game, Rooney gives blood, sweat and tears to the cause to ensure his side fire past the winning post.
His team-mates already look to him to make the breakthrough and ability commands instant respect. Another number 10 - Diego Maradona - led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 and many would hope that Rooney could do the same thing this summer.
Why not?
Rooney has rocketed up the scoring charts this season, but Sir Alex Ferguson rarely trusts him with the captain's armband. The Scot believes Rooney should be left to concentrate solely on playing and Capello could be of the same mind.
Memories of the red-mist descending on him at the last World Cup - when he was sent off for a stamp on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho - may also count against Rooney if the Italian decides to make a change.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 6/1 - "Enjoying a sparkling season at club level, Rooney's odds have dropped from 10/1 to 6/1 in recent days and is the dark horse to succeed Terry.
"Still enjoys a hot-headed reputation but will surely be named player of the year and captaining his country would cap a marvelous season. Worth a punt."
Name: Rio FerdinandAge: 31
Club: Manchester United
Position: Centre-back
Caps: 76
Why?
Ferdinand pushed Terry to the wire to become England's captain in 2008 and now could be the time for him to take over. The Manchester United defender is a world-class performer and a certainty to be on the plane to South Africa.
When available, Ferdinand's is one of the first names on Capello's team sheet. Sir Alex Ferguson has also seen fit to name him skipper in Gary Neville's absence and it was he who lifted the Champions League trophy for the club.
Why not?
When a manager hands out the armband he has to be certain his chosen man will be around, and unfortunately, Capello has to have doubts. An
injury-plagued year has seen Ferdinand on the sidelines too often for comfort.
A slide in fitness has also coincided with a downturn in form. Embarrassing slip-ups like the one against the Netherlands last August could be on Capello's mind and he will want his star defender to concentrate solely on staying injury-free.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 10/1 - "Unlikely. Passed over for the captaincy before by Don Fabio and given his recent injury record he may not even be a starter when England kick-off against the USA on June 12th."
Name: David BeckhamAge: 34
Club: A.C. Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy
Position : Right wing
International caps: 115
Why?
England's most capped outfield player is a unique figure in the world game. He is the icon of English football throughout the world and captained the team for six years.
Beckham skippered the Three Lions at two World Cups and a European Championship before relinquishing his duties. If his nation needs a steadying influence to take over from Terry, no player could fit the bill as comfortably.
Why not?
Time catches up with even the greatest of players, and at 34, Beckham's role has been restricted to that of the 'super-sub.'
Capello favored speed merchants Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott over Beckham in the World Cup qualifying campaign. It is impossible to take the job from the sidelines.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 14/1 - "No stranger to wearing the armband, he would go into the history books for leading his side at three consecutive World Cups if he pulled off his latest comeback trick.
"Given that Becks is likely to be an impact substitute it's doubtful but a nice idea nonetheless."
Name: Frank LampardAge: 31
Club: Chelsea
Position: Centre midfield
Caps: 76
Why?
A remarkable turnaround in the eyes of the England fans has transformed Lampard from pariah to star performer. Manager Capello has placed him at the heart of his side and Lampard has delivered more than just his trademark supply of goals.
Lampard also shadows Terry as vice-captain at Chelsea and fills in whenever the current skipper is unavailable. If Terry is forced to step aside for his country, this relationship could be repeated.
Why not?
Whenever names have been thrown in to the hat for the captaincy in the past, Lampard was never considered a lead candidate. Preferring to let his football do the talking, he isn't the type of vocal leader traditionally associated with the role.
Lampard has stood back and allowed Tery to guide Chelsea to the top of the sport. The status quo is expected to continue at club level.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 14/1 - "Has filled in for Terry as captain at club level but whether he would relish the chance to to do so at international level, in the wake of this scandal, is another matter.
"The problem is Terry is his best mate and he could find it hard to step into his shoes."
Name: Gareth BarryAge: 28
Club: Manchester City
Position: Centre midfield
International caps: 35
Why?
Center midfielders make great captains and Barry is at the hub of the England operation. The City battler holds the team together and has to see the whole picture to perform effectively.
Barry served as captain at former club Aston Villa for two successful seasons and at 28 is in the prime of his career. Such is his influence in the dressing room, he was even considered to be City's captain just weeks after his arrival in the north west of England.
Why not?
The potential return of Owen Hargreaves from his injury nightmare could send Barry to the England substitutes' bench. Capello is a confirmed fan of the Manchester United player and a comeback could be a massive set-back to Barry's hopes of starting at the World Cup.
Barry has also only recently established himself as a feature in the England fold, becoming a regular in the last two years. His experience shrinks in comparison to that of the other candidates.
What the bookies say:
Reilly: - 33/1 - "Another contender before Terry got the nod. Has led his country at under-age level and did the job to acclaim at Aston Villa.
"Good as he is, Barry isn't England captain material and the odds reflect that."
Odds supplied from Titan Bet
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