The England Captiancy

In truth, there should be no need to debate who the captain should be. Hands down, Steven Gerrard stands head and shoulders above the rest, but when news reached the world that John Terry had been stripped of the honour, Twitter erupted into frenzy with everyone firing their views about who should take the armband. 


However, out of all the names suggested, only Parker and Gerrard are worth looking into as it was clear to see that they were the two candidates the English supporters wanted. Surprisingly, nobody looked toward a future captain to take charge in Poland. 


Why not expose a youngster to the reality of England captain in an international tournament at a young age? Blood a youngster and increase the chance of winning at the World Cup, but then again, were English and a change to the system renders disaster. 


It has to be asked though; can one of them really lead the nation to glory? Or will it be yet another disappointing appointment at the Euros? 

Candidate Evaluation

Steven Gerrard

He would be my personal preference because, quite simply, he is a natural born and proven leader. Anyone doubting Gerrard's credentials need to look at his part in the 2005 Champions League Final. An inspiration second half performance from himself helped claw back a 3-0 deficit and land the prestigious trophy down in Merseyside. Even though that was the best part of 6 years ago, the experience is a long lasting memory and something he can feed off when the national side need him. 


More recently though, Gerrard has had a fantastic impact on his domestic team, Liverpool, helping them secure a place in the Carling Cup Final- a real chance for Liverpool to end their barren run (to the annoyance of Arsenal fans). His example on the pitch is exemplary- full of energy, driven and determined performances on a regular basis. 


Easily the best player to never win the Premier League and an idol for many on the pitch, appointing Gerrard though does not come without an unblemished record though. In 2010, he was under scrutiny for an alleged assault on a DJ in a night club. His recent injury record isn't ideal too, but when he is fit, the confidence Liverpool fans have grows convincingly and surely that will reflect on the player amongst the England set up.


Scott Parker

Brave, determined, tireless and quite frankly, passionate. That's the easiest way to describe him. Since his summer move to Tottenham, Scott Parker has thrived under the bigger spotlight and consistently puts in a fantastic shift for his team. 


He was handed his England debut last year and has helped to build a stable and strong spine to the England team, but why try him so late? His lust for victory, accompanied by his fearsome ‘up in your face’ style of play makes him a fine candidate for the armband. 


The question that has to be asked is, does he have enough experience to lead the team at an international tournament, when he hasn't played in Europe consistently? Domestically, he is a fantastic player, but his lack of experience raises doubts in my mind if he is the right man to lead the team out in Europe.

I honestly believe that whoever leads the team out in the Euros, should only do so there and then give up the captaincy and allow the team to build for the future. The problem England has had is the inability of not letting go of the past. Football has developed and were still trying to win with what we called the “Golden Age”.

Future Captain Candidates

Jack Wilshere

It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when does Jack Wilshere take the armband at Arsenal. In his first full season with the Gunners, Wilshere was a revelation and has cemented himself in the Arsenal first team for years to come. 


Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, he looks likely to miss out on the Euros, but it is almost a certainty that he would have lined up with Parker and Gerrard in the middle of the pitch if fit. 


Likewise with the Parker and Gerrard, Wilshere epitomizes the term 'English grit' with his determined and energetic expeditions on the pitch. He leads by example and went toe-to-toe with Europe's elite and looked like he belonged there. 


At the young age of 20, he has had a few issues with the law, but this is at the time of immaturity; even though it isn't reflected in his performances. Given his international debut last year, he is still inexperienced, but there can be no doubt he looks like he has been there for years. 


Phil Jones

Again, it is a matter of when not if with Jones and the Manchester United captaincy. His summer move to the Red Devils was inevitable after a string of valiant performances for Blackburn last season. 


He’s a powerful, dominant and competent player, who generally gives his all for club and country. He has had a few, well, terrible games for United and made some howlers, but when he blossoms, he will be a solid reliable defender; just like Terry and Ferdinand once were. 


His knack for tackling and no-nonsense approach is accompanied by a good technical ability and the capability of splitting defences with surging runs. Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, the winning mentality of United will be firmly installed in his mind. 


Short term captain: Steven Gerrard. He experience and passion will be a valuable asset to the team after a poor World Cup in South Africa. 


I only have my doubts about whether Parker has established the needed respect to acquire the role, if he has, then he will be an equally good choice.


Long term captain: A difficult choice and I personally believe that it is too early to call who will make a better captain.




Written by @WeAreAFC


Like O-Posts on Facebook
Follow the site on Twitter