ENGLAND SKIPPER NO BIG DEAL!
ROY HODGSON BACKS SOUTHGATE’S CALL:
ROY Hodgson agrees with Gareth Southgate not having a fixed England captain.
The former Three Lions boss believes far too much fuss is made about who wears the armband for internationals.
Southgate is keeping everyone guessing about who will lead the team out in the World Cup next month. But it could be a different player in every match — with Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Gary Cahill and Eric Dier all candidates.
Hodgson had a more obvious candidate in Steven Gerrard to wear the armband before his retired after the 2014 World Cup.
Wayne Rooney took over then and it’s fair to say that it wasn’t all plain sailing for Wazza.
Hodgson believes Southgate has a wealth of options but believes there’s no need to appoint an official captain.
The Crystal Palace gaffer said: “We pay it too much attention, there’s no doubt about that.
Leadership
“It’s a very prestigious position and, as a result, it carries a weight that can sometimes work against the manager.
“These names — Eric Dier has leadership qualities, so does Jordan, so does Harry.
“All three have good leadership qualities.
“It’s worked out well during the qualifiers, we haven’t had this definite captain.
“He’s swapped it around, and I don’t see any reason why we, the England fans, should ask any different of him.
“He can decide which
IN FRAME: Henderson one he wants, because all three of them can do the job.
“The good thing — knowing the players quite well, as I do — is they’ll accept it.
“I’m also convinced they’ll be happy to see the captain change during the tournament.
“David Beckham retires from international football, John Terry retires from international football, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, that generation of really iconic players.
“It’s been very difficult for any England manager to say ‘Steven Gerrard’s still playing but he’s not going to be captain, Wayne Rooney’s playing but he’s not going to be captain’.
“He can do it now because the mass media will support him by pointing out we don’t have that 100-cap legend any more.
“We have some good players, all of whom have good leadership qualities, so why not share it around?”