Steven Gerrard set to retain England captaincy

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is set to claim the England captaincy from Rio Ferdinand on a permanent basis, according to a report in The Mirror.

Gerrard captained his side at last summer’s World Cup after Ferdinand withdrew from the England squad because of an ankle injury.

And despite England boss Fabio Capello’s earlier insistence that Ferdinand would be restored as captain after his return from injury, Gerrard is tipped to retain the England armband.

Gerrard – unlike Ferdinand – is often available for selection, and has racked up some inspirational performances for his country. 

Meanwhile Ferdinand has been injured since the summer and only just returned to competitive action for his club. 

Ferdinand has already lost the United captaincy to Nemanja Vidic due to the former’s frequent absences.