Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is the frontrunner to become England captain following Steven Gerrard’s retirement from international football, Football Express News understands.
Liverpool midfielder Gerrard, who skippered the Three Lions during this summer’s torrid World Cup campaign in Brazil, has decided to call it a day after earning 114 caps during a 14-year period.
His time on the England scene failed to yield a piece of silverware but he was given the honour of leading his country, something about which he has always spoken in glowing terms.
A source close to Roy Hodgson’s team told FEN that Rooney is desperate to inherit the iconic armband and his case will be given serious thought in the corridors of power.
The insider revealed Chelsea centre-half Gary Cahill and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart are other names in the frame, but Red Devils forward Rooney is the early favourite as he is seen to have the requisite appetite and desire.
Gerrard, who fell just one cap short of former team-mate David Beckham’s total, made his debut for England in May 2000 against Ukraine.
His midfield partnership with Chelsea’s Frank Lampard was the subject of strong debate in several tournaments, as the pair were seen by many as too similar, but he went on to establish himself in his own right.
The 34-year-old will now focus on his duties at Anfield.