Gerrard thinks Rooney should be England’s Next Captain
Former England captain, Steven Gerrard has backed Wayne Rooney to succeed him as England captain.
The Liverpool midfielder announced his retirement from international duty a few weeks after England’s disappointing World Cup campaign and believes Rooney is a worthy successor.
England manager, Roy Hodgson is set to name his new captain on Thursday when he announces his squad for the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier against Switzerland on 8 September, and it is expected that Rooney, who was recently named Manchester United captain by Louis van Gaal, will get the armband.
34-year-old Gerrard said: “Wayne is a natural leader. Aside from being a top player, one who commands respect within the group, Wayne is passionate about representing his country and won’t be fazed by the responsibility.
“Before a game, he is one of the most vocal players in the dressing room. He wouldn’t be afraid of speaking up and talking to someone one to one, telling them what is expected. When he was my deputy, he gave me great support and during our 11 years with England I saw him blossom. There were times when, as a young lad, he didn’t always say the right things in the dressing room but he has matured and chooses his words carefully.”
