Gerrard to Help Hodgson pick New England Captain
Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Steven Gerrard has said he would be happy to help coach Roy Hodgson choose his next England captain.
Gerrard retired from international duty on Monday, after fourteen years of playing for his country, claiming his 34-year-old body could not cope with the rigor for both club and country required.
The Liverpool legend says he is available to give the England manager need any assistance he needs in appointing his new captain.
“I’m here for advice on the next England captain,” Gerrard said.
“I’m sure Roy will give it to the right person and I hope they show it the same respect that I have.”
With 95 caps to his name, Wayne Rooney is the obvious candidate to replace Gerrard. Having skippered the Three Lions on two occasions, it is believed he would relish the chance to do the job on a full-time basis.
Gerrard cited Liverpool’s return to the Champions League as the main factor behind his retirement.
“Obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field,” said the midfielder who, has the third highest caps for England with 114 caps.
“To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision.”
Gerrard made his debut in a friendly against Ukraine at the old Wembley on 31 May 2000. He has started taking coaching badges, but he is unsure whether he wants to go into coaching or management when he retires from club football.
