The Tottenham midfielder, 31, was picked by caretaker boss
Stuart Pearce to lead the Three Lions today.
He was told at a team meeting this morning after Pearce decided
to delay his announcement until after yesterday's Press
conference.
It caps an incredible rise for the former Charlton, Chelsea,
Newcastle and West Ham midfielder.
He made his international debut against Denmark in November 2003
but played just twice between then and last year.
In 2011, he played seven matches and was a key player under
Fabio Capello, who resigned earlier this month.
His excellent form for the relegated Hammers last season earned
him the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award and a
big-money move to Tottenham.
And on Monday, he was voted England Fans Player of the
Year for 2011 ahead of Joe Hart and Ashley Young.
Speaking after receiving the award, Parker said: "It's a great
honour for me. Just looking at the past names that are on it, it's
quite an achievement.
"It's a proud moment for me and I'm really, really happy. Like
anything, when the fans appreciate what you are doing, it's extra
special.
"It has been a good year for me at international level and I'm
delighted the fans have picked me. It's really good."
He added: "As a youngster, it was my dream to play for England.
I'm very proud when I play for my country."
Caretaker boss Pearce also sang the praises of Parker for
winning the trophy.
Psycho said: "The thing with Scotty, around any training camp,
he's popular and bubbly.
"All the players enjoy his company and that's the impression I
get being around him and coaching him.
"He's infectious in what he does on the football pitch and a
real team player.
"In this day and age in football, where people talk about
selfish individuals, I class Scott as a real throw-back to
yesteryear when the team comes before Scott Parker.
"I think that's the biggest compliment I can pay to him.
He thoroughly deserves every accolade he gets, that's for
sure."
Speaking about the armband yesterday, Pearce said: "Captaining
England was the proudest moment of my career.
"If I feel that in my heart I can't take the decision
lightly.
"I can only view it as I see it. When you play for your country
that is the true pinnacle of anyone's career. That is still the
case."
Parker's England team-mates paid tribute to the midfielder on
Twitter ahead of tonight's match.
Manchester United defender and former Three Lions skipper Rio
Ferdinand said: "Congrats to Scott Parker on being named captain
for tonight's game.
"A great honour and one I'm sure he'll cherish. 2-1 win I'm
thinking!"
Striker Michael Owen tweeted: "Congrats to Scott Parker. Great
honour."
Parker's manager at Tottenham Harry Redknapp is the hot
favourite to take over as England boss.
And he said: "Scott has captained the team here a couple of
times this year and he is a fantastic boy, a great
professional.
"You couldn't get a better boy. He is a top-class person and a
top-class player."
