FAB: GIVE ROO ARMBAND? I’D RATHER NOT

FABIAN DELPH joked he does not want to give up the armband – because he will never get it back.

Delph, 28, will captain England, but then hand over the honour when Wayne Rooney comes on for his run-out to mark his Wembley farewell.

Manchester City star Delph gets the armband 25 years after Paul Ince became the first black player to captain England, also against the USA. Asked whether he would want to hand over the armband to Rooney, Delph (below) said: “I probably won’t get the armband again, so probably not! It’s a huge honour for me and probably the highlight of my career. “When I first came into the England set-up, Wayne was captain and he welcomed me, put his arm around me and made me feel at home.

“I’m fortunate enough to have thoroughly enjoyed playing for England. Under Roy Hodgson, I had a good spell and, under Gareth, it has been absolutely amazing and I can’t ever wait to meet up and get my teeth into what the gaffer wants us to do.

“For me, personally, I’ve never had the feeling of not enjoying playing for England. We go into every game with a game plan and this is no different, we want to win the game. It is a good opportunity for those making their debut.” England boss Southgate paid a glowing tribute to Delph, who – along with Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier and Joe Gomez – make up England’s leadership group. Southgate insisted that Delph be rewarded for his vital role during the World Cup when he was a willing squad member, despite knowing that he was unlikely to start big games. Southgate said: “It is a brilliant reward for him. You don’t give the England captaincy to someone unless you really think they can carry it – and he has those outstanding attributes.”