Shane Evans: Replacing John Terry - Five England players who could be the Three Lions' captain at Euro 2012
The captain's armband of the English national team has basically become football's answer to hacky sack. Tossed around among friends with little care and less respect, the circular piece of cloth isn't really wanted by nobody.
The Euro 2012 tournament is rapidly approaching and the England team is marching towards it with the team mentality of nest of mice. With John Terry losing this particular 'game' for an astonishing second time in as many years, there is a need for a new leader to be selected
These are the qualities that Fabio Capello needs to look for in his next captain, despite him publicly backing the Chelsea defender by saying he shouldn't have been stripped of the title (presumably because he's just as tired of this process as the rest of us).
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Essentially, he needs another David Beckham. Yes, Golden Balls, as he has come to be known, was the undisputed leader of the Three Lions for nearly a decade, and rightly so. As commendable a high-profile athlete you'll see these days, Beckham's off-the-field rap sheet is as long as the foreword in Terry's.
The man is classy, driven and is a good example for the rest of the players in any team that he may be a part of. He is also 36 and has likely already played his last competitive match in an England strip. Unfortunately, the burden of effectively succeeding Beckham will have to fall to someone other than the man himself.
With the Netherlands coming to Wembley at the end of February for a little early-year tune up, someone will have to lead the team out of the tunnel. Here are five suggestions as to who it might be.
Gerrard is the clear-cut favorite to replace Terry as England's newest captain. Currently Liverpool's leader and main inspiration, Gerrard is the perfect choice to take the armband. He's familiar with the team, has nearly a century of caps under his belt and is likely a starter when Capello's men open their Euro 2012 campaign against France on June 11.
The 31-year-old also has experience as England captain in a major tournament as he took charge of the team back in 2010 at the World Cup when Terry was again deemed unfit for the duty due to another of his off-the-field issues. This of course, came after Rio Ferdinand went down injured before the matches in South Africa began, Gerrard was essentially third in line and went on to show that his influence for club far outweighs his influence for country.
With time to adjust to the role ahead of Euro 2012, Gerrard will almost certainly do a better job this time around and is all but guaranteed the honor in what could be his last big go around with the national team.
Next captain probability (out of 5):
Newer to the national side is Tottenham's midfield stalwart Scott Parker. A player on the rise over the last few seasons, Parker has become something of a cult hero in the England ranks. His workmanlike attitude and tidy appearance have become the model of a true professional in the English Premier League and he simply makes every team he's in better.
Wearing his shorts higher than most 5-year-olds, Parker just looks the part and is important enough to the set up of the national team to warrant consideration. His age (31) and lack of caps (nine) may be a drawback to some, but with need for stability being paramount at the moment, Capello would be remiss if he didn't put Parker at the top of the list.
Next captain probability:
A name that few have mentioned is Manchester City's Joe Hart. Of all the players on the England team, Hart has his place in the starting XI most secured. No other eligible goalkeeper is playing as well as Hart and it's unlikely that any will for some time. The Three Lions have their No. 1 keeper for probably the next decade... so why not give him the armband?
Hart, 24, isn't that backseat goalie either. You know, the one who puts on his gloves, makes the saves, and calls it a day. He is vocal, enthusiastic and as much a part of the team's success as any other player on the pitch. England's chances in Poland and Ukraine this summer have a lot riding on Hart and has certainly shown he's up to the task given his recent form for both club and country.
No England goalkeeper has worn the armband since Arsenal's David Seaman did more than a decade ago, but it has to be said Hart has all the necessary attributes to be the next, whether it's going into this summer or World Cup 2014, which seems more likely.
Next captain probability:
Much like Terry, Rooney has had his fair share of difficulties with the media and other unfortunate situations over the years, but it appears he's (slowly) growing out of it. At only 26, he has plenty of time left in an England shirt and is far and away the team's best forward.
He has often spoke about his desire to be captain of both Manchester United and England in the past and if he continues to mature, both may be in his future. He's as determined as any player in the national pool and exemplifies that fighting spirit that the English pride themselves on. Many even like that he has that fire in his belly that sometimes gets him in trouble as it's preferable to the sometimes stone-faced demeanor to some other names on this list.
Obviously hurt by his shortened two-match ban going into the tournament, it appears very unlikely that Rooney will see the armband anytime soon, mainly because you want your captain actually in the team for matches. That doesn't mean once Euro 2012 is over and Fabio Capello becomes ex-England manager, that the new man in charge will look to Rooney to lead his team to Brazil in 2014 and beyond.
Next captain probability:
What bigger slap in the face to recently deposed Terry than to give the armband to his new club teammate and eventual successor in the England team, Gary Cahill. The young defender is quickly becoming an important player for the national side and with each game he plays at Stamford Bridge he'll continue to improve and become the top class player that everyone expects him to be.
He has leadership experience as he served as Bolton's vice captain under Kevin Davies for much of the time he was at the club. His physical presence and ability to influence a defensive unit are qualities that a player in his position should have and are big plus for the national team.
With the likes of Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Tony Adams before him, Cahill could do very well with the armband provided his domestic play continues to improve. Has a very outside shot.
Next captain probability:
Why not? He may be getting a bit up in years but Beckham is still a very influential player. With England searching for an identity as it goes into a tournament that it will almost certainly crash out of, adding solidarity, even on a temporary basis, can only help its chances. Who better to do that than a man like Beckham?
The former regular hasn't played a competitive match for England since 2009 but that doesn't mean he can't pull his weight now. Fabio Capello needs to do something to get this team together before June and bringing in a player like Beckham, who is still producing at the club level (albeit in MLS), would send a statement to the rest of the team and could be a catalyst for a successful Euro campaign.
Making the squad would be a huge shock to anyone who knows anything about the England team, so don't hold out too much hope for this. Still would be great to see...
A few other names worth considering: Michah Richards, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, Jack Wilshere.
When the February 29 friendly with Holland rolls around, we'll all know for sure who Capello has chosen to take over for Terry. It'll most likely be one of the guys on this list, with Gerrard's name apparently ahead of all the rest.
Following the likes of Beckham, Shearer, Robson and Moore is no easy task, but with so much at stake in the coming months, the decision absolutely needs to be the right one. Followers of the English national team have had their fill of controversy these past few years. It's high time for a new direction and some much-needed stability.
Fabio, end the hacky sack and let's teach the lads a bit of chess.
The Euro 2012 tournament is rapidly approaching and the England team is marching towards it with the team mentality of nest of mice. With John Terry losing this particular 'game' for an astonishing second time in as many years, there is a need for a new leader to be selected
These are the qualities that Fabio Capello needs to look for in his next captain, despite him publicly backing the Chelsea defender by saying he shouldn't have been stripped of the title (presumably because he's just as tired of this process as the rest of us).
Follow SHANE EVANS on
Essentially, he needs another David Beckham. Yes, Golden Balls, as he has come to be known, was the undisputed leader of the Three Lions for nearly a decade, and rightly so. As commendable a high-profile athlete you'll see these days, Beckham's off-the-field rap sheet is as long as the foreword in Terry's.
The man is classy, driven and is a good example for the rest of the players in any team that he may be a part of. He is also 36 and has likely already played his last competitive match in an England strip. Unfortunately, the burden of effectively succeeding Beckham will have to fall to someone other than the man himself.
With the Netherlands coming to Wembley at the end of February for a little early-year tune up, someone will have to lead the team out of the tunnel. Here are five suggestions as to who it might be.
 | Steven Gerrard, Liverpool |
Gerrard is the clear-cut favorite to replace Terry as England's newest captain. Currently Liverpool's leader and main inspiration, Gerrard is the perfect choice to take the armband. He's familiar with the team, has nearly a century of caps under his belt and is likely a starter when Capello's men open their Euro 2012 campaign against France on June 11.
The 31-year-old also has experience as England captain in a major tournament as he took charge of the team back in 2010 at the World Cup when Terry was again deemed unfit for the duty due to another of his off-the-field issues. This of course, came after Rio Ferdinand went down injured before the matches in South Africa began, Gerrard was essentially third in line and went on to show that his influence for club far outweighs his influence for country.
With time to adjust to the role ahead of Euro 2012, Gerrard will almost certainly do a better job this time around and is all but guaranteed the honor in what could be his last big go around with the national team.
Next captain probability (out of 5):
 | Scott Parker, Tottenham Hotspur |
Newer to the national side is Tottenham's midfield stalwart Scott Parker. A player on the rise over the last few seasons, Parker has become something of a cult hero in the England ranks. His workmanlike attitude and tidy appearance have become the model of a true professional in the English Premier League and he simply makes every team he's in better.
Wearing his shorts higher than most 5-year-olds, Parker just looks the part and is important enough to the set up of the national team to warrant consideration. His age (31) and lack of caps (nine) may be a drawback to some, but with need for stability being paramount at the moment, Capello would be remiss if he didn't put Parker at the top of the list.
Next captain probability:
 | Joe Hart, Manchester City |
A name that few have mentioned is Manchester City's Joe Hart. Of all the players on the England team, Hart has his place in the starting XI most secured. No other eligible goalkeeper is playing as well as Hart and it's unlikely that any will for some time. The Three Lions have their No. 1 keeper for probably the next decade... so why not give him the armband?
Hart, 24, isn't that backseat goalie either. You know, the one who puts on his gloves, makes the saves, and calls it a day. He is vocal, enthusiastic and as much a part of the team's success as any other player on the pitch. England's chances in Poland and Ukraine this summer have a lot riding on Hart and has certainly shown he's up to the task given his recent form for both club and country.
No England goalkeeper has worn the armband since Arsenal's David Seaman did more than a decade ago, but it has to be said Hart has all the necessary attributes to be the next, whether it's going into this summer or World Cup 2014, which seems more likely.
Next captain probability:
 | Wayne Rooney, Manchester United |
Much like Terry, Rooney has had his fair share of difficulties with the media and other unfortunate situations over the years, but it appears he's (slowly) growing out of it. At only 26, he has plenty of time left in an England shirt and is far and away the team's best forward.
He has often spoke about his desire to be captain of both Manchester United and England in the past and if he continues to mature, both may be in his future. He's as determined as any player in the national pool and exemplifies that fighting spirit that the English pride themselves on. Many even like that he has that fire in his belly that sometimes gets him in trouble as it's preferable to the sometimes stone-faced demeanor to some other names on this list.
Obviously hurt by his shortened two-match ban going into the tournament, it appears very unlikely that Rooney will see the armband anytime soon, mainly because you want your captain actually in the team for matches. That doesn't mean once Euro 2012 is over and Fabio Capello becomes ex-England manager, that the new man in charge will look to Rooney to lead his team to Brazil in 2014 and beyond.
Next captain probability:
 | Gary Cahill, Chelsea |
What bigger slap in the face to recently deposed Terry than to give the armband to his new club teammate and eventual successor in the England team, Gary Cahill. The young defender is quickly becoming an important player for the national side and with each game he plays at Stamford Bridge he'll continue to improve and become the top class player that everyone expects him to be.
He has leadership experience as he served as Bolton's vice captain under Kevin Davies for much of the time he was at the club. His physical presence and ability to influence a defensive unit are qualities that a player in his position should have and are big plus for the national team.
With the likes of Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Tony Adams before him, Cahill could do very well with the armband provided his domestic play continues to improve. Has a very outside shot.
Next captain probability:
 | Bonus: David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy |
Why not? He may be getting a bit up in years but Beckham is still a very influential player. With England searching for an identity as it goes into a tournament that it will almost certainly crash out of, adding solidarity, even on a temporary basis, can only help its chances. Who better to do that than a man like Beckham?
The former regular hasn't played a competitive match for England since 2009 but that doesn't mean he can't pull his weight now. Fabio Capello needs to do something to get this team together before June and bringing in a player like Beckham, who is still producing at the club level (albeit in MLS), would send a statement to the rest of the team and could be a catalyst for a successful Euro campaign.
Making the squad would be a huge shock to anyone who knows anything about the England team, so don't hold out too much hope for this. Still would be great to see...
A few other names worth considering: Michah Richards, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, Jack Wilshere.
When the February 29 friendly with Holland rolls around, we'll all know for sure who Capello has chosen to take over for Terry. It'll most likely be one of the guys on this list, with Gerrard's name apparently ahead of all the rest.
Following the likes of Beckham, Shearer, Robson and Moore is no easy task, but with so much at stake in the coming months, the decision absolutely needs to be the right one. Followers of the English national team have had their fill of controversy these past few years. It's high time for a new direction and some much-needed stability.
Fabio, end the hacky sack and let's teach the lads a bit of chess.
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