LAMPS: SKIP THE ARMBAND

CHOICES: Lampard FRANK LAMPARD has backed Gareth Southgate’s move to play down the significance of the England captaincy.

The ex-Three Lions star has made it clear Tottenham striker Harry Kane should be skipper in Russia this summer, ahead of Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.

But at the same time, Lampard has no problem with Southgate’s decision to keep the country guessing over the identity of his chosen one. Lamps, who won 106 England caps from 1999 to 2014, said: “No, it’s not a worry, we don’t know who the captain is yet.

“We’ve become obsessed about the England captaincy and there’s no need for it.

“Gareth has given people experience of being captain, which helps form a team of captains – Eric Dier, Gary Cahill, Jordan DEL BOY: Alli can announce himself on world stage says Southgate IT IS no ★ surprise that was never a Thomas Tuchel to succeed serious contender at Arsenal – Arsene Wenger with the job. despite being linked Dortmund The former Borussia

Sven Mislintat, coach worked with of recruitment, the Gunners’ head

But it is at the German club. did not have understood they and the best of relationships Paris Tuchel, 44, joined Saint-Germain last week. Henderson and Harry Kane. We’ve moved it around. And the players won’t care if it’s Harry picked next week or any other week. They’ll respect that decision and move on.”

Lamps, 39, would opt for Kane because of his world-class status in the game.

The BBC World Cup pundit added: “Henderson has proved himself a fantastic captain of Liverpool – but I just love the way Harry holds himself.” MANCHESTER CITY do not seem that keen on the World Cup.

They will have plenty of players there, of course, after a record-breaking season in which they won the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.

But it cannot just be coincidence that most of manager Pep Guardiola’s summer transfer targets WILL NOT be in Russia. Guardiola wants to add a midfielder and a winger to his squad. His top midfield target is Italy’s Jorginho, 26, and the Napoli player is not involved in Russia, as his country were the most high-profile team not to qualify.

Wingers on Guardiola’s list include Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez, 27 (right) Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey, 20, and Wilfried Zaha, 25, at Crystal Palace.

Once again, their countries – Algeria, Jamaica and Ivory Coast respectively – failed to make it to Russia.

It seems Guardiola wants his new recruits to be fresh for next season, rather than potentially fatigued after the World Cup.

It is also interesting that City, at this stage, are planning to have NO scouts in Russia or at least a very limited staff. PAUL HETHERINGTON