Steven Gerrard appears to have been ruled out
of the race to become Fabio Capello's long-term England captain as
the Italian looks for the on-field lieutenant who can be his eyes
and ears.
Chelsea skipper John Terry and surprise runner Gareth
Barry are both in the frame to take over the role in France next
week. But David Beckham can expect to enjoy a final outing as
captain - if he is picked to earn his 100th cap.
Capello will unveil his provisional squad for the Paris
friendly today, and is set to confirm a significantly different
selection from the one he announced for his opening match last
month. Arsenal's teenage prodigy Theo Walcott is poised for his
first senior call since he went to the 2006 World Cup under Sven
Goran Eriksson and never kicked a ball in anger.
Uncapped Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is
firmly in the frame alongside Middlesbrough stopper David Wheater.
Capello intends to change the entire culture of the England squad
and team he inherited from Steve McClaren. And it looks like being
a case of Hello, Goodbye to Liverpool's Gerrard as Capello's
captain after just one match - the coach's first in the 2-1 Wembley
win over Switzerland. While Capello believes Gerrard can be the
same inspirational figure for his country he has proved to be time
and again for his club, the England boss is concerned that he has
yet to transfer his Liverpool form to the international stage.
The Italian fears Gerrard may be inhibited by the
burden of leading the Three Lions and wants him to have the freedom
to play his natural game, acting as a talisman for the team. It
means a new captain - as Capello promised when he said he would
give trials to three or four potential skippers before making his
final choice for the kick-off to the World Cup qualifying campaign
next season.
Capello is determined to find a leader in the mould of
his former AC Milan skipper, the magnificent Franco Baresi. Terry,
who led McClaren's team on 13 occasions but missed the Swiss game
with a broken foot, is favourite. Beckham, set to be given the
all-clear to compete to become only the fifth England centurion,
would be the obvious compromise candidate if he is named in the
starting side on his milestone appearance. Villa skipper Barry has
emerged as a serious contender, with Capello understood to have
been impressed with his tactical acumen and footballing
intelligence during last month's training session.
Michael Owen has publicly admitted his anxieties and is
no longer an automatic selection - despite his 40 England goals.
But the Newcastle striker will be included for the trip to the
ground where he scored on his last international visit, coming off
the bench under Kevin Keegan to equalise in 2000.
Agbonlahor could start however as the foil to Wayne
Rooney, with his pace having caught the eye of the new England high
command. Walcott has also impressed Capello and his coaching staff
with his cameo appearances off the Arsenal bench. Frank Lampard is
certain of a recall after injury while Glenn Johnson, Michael
Carrick and Stewart Downing, all cut from the last provisional
squad when Capello reduced his list to 23 names, should get another
opportunity.
But the surprise name could well be Boro defender
Wheater, who has impressed Capello with his rugged, no-nonsense
attitude. The centre-half would have been included to face the
Swiss but for a crucial Under-21 game for Stuart Pearce's team.
Probable Squad: James, Carson,
Kirkland, Bridge, A Cole, Ferdinand, G Johnson, Brown, Terry,
Woodgate, Wheater, Lescott, Carrick, Gerrard, Barry, Jenas,
Hargreaves, J Cole, Lampard, A Young, Downing, Beckham, Walcott,
Bentley, Lennon, Agbonlahor, Owen, Rooney, Defoe, Crouch.
THE CANDIDATES TO LEAD ENGLAND.. AND WHO HAS
THE 'BARESI FACTOR'
JOHN TERRY
Caps: 42 As Captain: 13
Leadership: Held his Chelsea side together in the storm
caused by Jose Mourinho's departure.
Commitment: Nobody puts their body on the line more
than JT, and has the bruises, cuts and broken bones to prove
it.
Experience: First-choice for England since 2003.
Reputation not sullied by McClaren reign.
Baresi Factor: Has to use his brain when his legs won't
get there, and able to break out from the back too.
DAVID BECKHAM
Caps: 99 As Captain: 58
Leadership: A huge influence at his peak, but even
Becks knows those days are past. Aware that he may be an impact
player for the rest of his England career.
Commitment: Gone are the days when he could run himself
ragged, yet still cares deeply and passionately.
Experience: Only Moore, Wright and Robson have led
England more times.
Baresi Factor: He was always about inspiration rather
than cold-headed composure.
STEVEN GERRARD
Caps 64 As Captain: 7
Leadership: Talisman of Liverpool for almost a decade
and arguably the most inspirational player in English football. But
does appear stifled by Three Lions armband.
Commitment: Total and unapologetic. Would do anything
to win for club and country.
Experience: Seven times England skipper under three
managers.
Baresi Factor: Capello wants someone who can embody his
thinking. But Gerro may be too much of a free spirit for that.
GARETH BARRY
Caps: 17 As Captain: 0
Leadership: Skippered Villa for two seasons, and also
led David Platt's Under-21s. Martin O'Neill is huge admirer of his
qualities.
Commitment: Knows how to put his foot in when required,
but he rarely over-commits and keeps onside with the refs.
Experience: England debut in 2000 and played under six
international bosses, yet less than 20 caps.
Baresi Factor: Twice reinvented, from left-back to
centre-half, then into midfield. Can think way through a game.
WAYNE ROONEY
Caps: 41 As Captain: 0
Leadership: The one England player capable of changing
a game on his own.
Commitment: Too much at times, especially if
frustrated. Seven bookings and a red card already on England
duty.
Experience: Still only 22 but has been on the scene for
five years.
Baresi Factor: Not much at first glance - but the
chains of office could make the difference.