Ian Rush: Steven Gerrard should be England captain

Feb 1 2008

Ian Rush has called on Fabio Capello to give Steven Gerrard the England captaincy on a permanent basis when he finalises his first squad tomorrow.

With John Terry currently sidelined by a foot injury Gerrard, who was named vice-captain by former England boss Steve McClaren, could take the armband for the friendly against Switzerland on February 6.

The Italian coach is set to reduce his squad from 30 to 23 tomorrow evening and also will name his captain.

And former Liverpool and Wales captain Rush has said Capello would reap the benefits of giving Gerrard the job in the long term.

“For me Steven Gerrard has got be England captain,” Rush told PA Sport.

“I think John Terry is a good captain and if Fabio Capello stuck with him then fair enough - but if you’re looking elsewhere then it’s got to be Gerrard.

“They are the only two stand-out candidates, Rio Ferdinand’s name has been suggested and he could be become captain, but I think Steven’s leadership for Liverpool is incredible - he has proven it at the top and grown in stature.

“He has become more disciplined and responsible now and after leading them to that fantastic European Cup triumph in Istanbul in 2005 he has grown even stronger.

“Steven is even more of a leader than he was say three years ago.”

Gerrard, 27, was handed the Liverpool captaincy by Gerard Houllier in October 2003 and the midfielder has thrived on the extra responsibility.

Rush thinks the same would be applicable if Capello gave Gerrard the role for England .

The former Anfield favourite continued: “Gerard Houllier made a fantastic call by giving him the captaincy because he knew what was inside the player and how he would react to it.

“In doing that he helped Steven move up to another level and if he was given the same chance by Capello for England I am sure it would be exactly the same there.

“It is the right time for Steven to take the job and he would not let the new manager down if he was given it.”

Rush also said that Gerrard’s fellow Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher merited a place in Capello’s first squad if it was decided on performances alone.

Carragher has the kind of qualities which have seen him labelled a Capello-type player, which even prompted talk of a return to the England fold.

It is not known whether the Italian coach tried to convince the 30-year-old defender to end his premature international retirement.

Rush has little doubt Carragher is a defender of a higher calibre than some of the those named in the squad but thinks he will not reverse the decision

“I don’t think Jamie will return to play for England now - it’s highly unlikely and I think his international career is probably over,” Rush added.

“I think Capello would pick him tomorrow if he was available but I think Jamie has realised now that he wants to spend time with his family.

“He gets more of a break when there are international matches which means he might get two or three more years out of his Liverpool career by doing that.

“Jamie’s realised what comes first and his family and Liverpool are his main priorities now.

“If England had a crisis then he might think about coming back for one or two games but I think he is enjoying his time now and I think you have to respect his decision.

“He played lots of times for the Under-21 side, was a major factor in Liverpool winning trophies, but for some reason couldn’t get a regular game for the England side.

“Personally I don’t think he’ll regret the decision to retire - he’s committed himself to Liverpool and his family and I think he’s happy with his lot.”