England Captain

[DanH]

With John Terry deservedly back on the naughty step, who do you guys think should replace him as England captain for the Euros this year?

My vote goes to Scott Parker. He's a natural leader who sets a good example both on and off the pitch which is what England need right now in my opinion, and I think he's earned his chance.

Any other suggestions?

[Russ]

If he's fit, then I can't help but think it'll be Steven Gerrard. Do hope Scott Parker starts though, he's been outstanding for Spurs this season, was brilliant again tonight.

Glad Terry has gone though, whether he's proved guilty or not in this latest controversy. A thoroughly nasty individual.

[RJC1878]

My vote goes to Scott Parker. He's a natural leader who sets a good example both on and off the pitch which is what England need right now in my opinion, and I think he's earned his chance.

Any other suggestions?

Afraid not, you're spot on with Scott Parker -- excellent choice.

[Abingdonman]

Cant see as if it makes any difference whos captain myself ....but it should be up to Fabio and no one else

[Dragon Rapide]

Knowing little or nothing about soccer how influential is the England captain, or any captain for that matter? A figurehead only or a tactician on the field?

[DanH]

Knowing little or nothing about soccer how influential is the England captain, or any captain for that matter? A figurehead only or a tactician on the field?

Well David Beckham would probably be considered as a figurehead. The trouble with him though, was that towards his later years as captain he was no longer being called up on merit, but instead because of his figurehead status. The media storm that surrounds him wherever he goes was a major distraction and had a detrimental effect on the team.

[Dragon Rapide]

So does he or did he typify what the England captain represents? I.e. a figurehead only with no tactical input on the field of play during a match. If so it would seem that the decision to remove the current captain from his position is justified, at least until he has cleared his name.

[DanH]

Well the England captain has little tactical involvement as that is supposed to be down to the manager. His main role is to motivate his players on the pitch and lead by example. In a way now that I think about it, every England captain (or captain of any other football team) is a figurehead in some respect, but the essential thing for making a good captain is that he is viewed as that by his teammates, as well as by the fans and the press.

[Dragon Rapide]

Ah, that makes sense - thanks.

[Abingdonman]

If I were John Terry I would have pulled out of being captain weeks ago....and saved the hassle for everyone concerned,and then if found not guilty,put my fingers up to the press,who have milked it of course ....
I'm no Chelsea supporter but Terry has been a great defender for club & country.....maybe thats what should matter for Fabio,not whether hes captain or not...
since there has to be a captain,its Steve Gerrard for me.... even if he did chin someone once!

[Dragon Rapide]

even if he did chin someone once!

Abingdonman


....sounds just the man to be a figurehead for football!!

[StevenH]

Knowing little or nothing about soccer how influential is the England captain, or any captain for that matter? A figurehead only or a tactician on the field?

You weren't lying about knowing nothing about football were you...

[Dragon Rapide]

Association Football is soccer - at least for as many years as I can remember.....

[StevenH]

Association Football is soccer - at least for as many years as I can remember.....

Yes, of course that is technically true, but you won't find any UK football fans using that term, unless they're either American (or any nations with a seperate football game) or casual.

[DeanW]

Another vote for Parker too. It's difficult to find a harder working, more effecient player with a great motivation and passion for the game.
He was a great leader at West Ham - full of praise from both the fans and the players. His half time teamtalk when we were 3-0 down at West Brom, which saw us pull the game back to 3-3, shows the potential influence he could have as England captain.

[Dragon Rapide]

Well not being a "football" fan, that's why I would use that term I suppose, which goes back to schooldays in the early fifties....

[jimbob1194]

I wouldn't mind seeing Parker getting it, but honestly think Gerrard will, and if he does I will be very happy.

James

[lynothehammer]

Has to be Scott Parker all the way for me, as much as i detest the fact he plays for Spurs it's hard to hold that against him after everything he gave for us in his 3 seasons at West Ham. A proper old school footballer, keeps his head down and gets on with things the way it should be done.

You just know Fabio will pick Gerarrd though !

[DanO1978]

Capello's strop this week makes a mockery of the "Kick It Out" anti-racism campaign the game has.

Sometimes I do wonder if Capello's actions are designed to goad his employers into firing him.

For my money, regardless of his guilt or innocence, I'd not have Terry in the squad, let alone in the team as captain. There are plenty of better, quicker, younger English centre-halves around at present.

[PChaplin]

It's about time Capello went. the 2010 World Cup was a joke and his latest statement is ridiculous.
Terry shouldn't be anywhere near the England squad ever again. Jones, Smalling, Dawson, Lescott and Cahill are all far better centre-halves.

As for the Captain - Grant Holt

[fs9demon]

Scott Parker for me also

Inspirational, Driven, doesn't know when he's beaten, a brilliant footballing head and sees the England shirt as the biggest item of his footballing career not just another paycheck

Not to mention in this day and age one of only a few players who gets flattened and before the Ref has time to blow his whistle and the other player who flattened him for the ball knows whats happened Scottys got back up and robbed said player of the ball without so much as a moan!

[psquiddy]

I dont care who is England captain because we are all going to be dissapointed (or just resigned to the fact that we are going to fail) by the teams performance in the championships anyway - same as usual - too much hype for an average bunch of players.

[Trevsy]

It's about time Capello went. the 2010 World Cup was a joke and his latest statement is ridiculous.
Terry shouldn't be anywhere near the England squad ever again. Jones, Smalling, Dawson, Lescott and Cahill are all far better centre-halves.

As for the Captain - Grant Holt

Lescott! - We are talking about football still, aren't we?

Capello should be sacked and Alex McLeish appointed with immediate effect.

[DanO1978]

Now 'Arry's in the clear, it's the perfect opportunity - Capello to get the push, and let Redknapp coach the team along with his Spurs duties until the Euros are over.

I'd feel more optimistic with Redknapp in charge in the summer than with Capello's negativity and blinkered reliance in players well past their prime.

[PChaplin]

Now 'Arry's in the clear, it's the perfect opportunity - Capello to get the push, and let Redknapp coach the team along with his Spurs duties until the Euros are over.

I'd feel more optimistic with Redknapp in charge in the summer than with Capello's negativity and blinkered reliance in players well past their prime.

Couldn't agree more. At least with Harry incharge the games might a bit more exciting and some younger player might finally get some games.

Keep Capello, and its going to be the same old boring story. It wouldn't be suprising if he brings back Paul Scholes for the Euros.