England Captain; Rio vs Stevey G
October 9th 2010 11:11
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
It looked as if Fabio Capello was going to avoid the toughest decision he has made as England manager on Tuesday night. He appointed Rio Ferdinand as captain earlier in the year, but after injury, Steven Gerrard has lead his country at the World Cup, and too recent wins over Hungary, Switzerland and Bulgaria. It was expected, that after impressing in the last few games, Phil Jagielka would keep his place alongside John Terry at centre back on Tuesday, against Montenegro. But after an injury has ruled out the Everton man, Ferdinand looks set to start. And with both Rio and Stevey G in the side, Capello has to decide, who will be captain?
It seems pretty clear, that the general consensus amongst most England fans, is that Steven Gerrard should be allowed to continue in the role. Despite our shocking display at the World Cup, the midfielder came away unscathed and avoiding criticism. Over the years, Gerrard has carried Liverpool, winning games for them single handedly, and I have often been one of many asking why he doesn't do the same for England. Well, now he has. The 2-1 win against Hungary was purely down to the skipper, his two goals saving us from embarrassment. He was also inspirational in the wins over Switzerland and Bulgaria.
The 30-year-old Liverpool captain, is in my opinion, the most obvious leader within the England camp, along with John Terry. Of course, Terry will not lead the team again, after being stripped of the armband earlier in the year. But Gerrard is the type of player who can dictate a game, if he plays well, the teams plays well. Unfortunately for Ferdinand, I can't say the same about him, although he is unquestionably a world-class centre back.
I sort of get the feeling, that Gerrard will ultimately be named as captain. If this is the case, you have got to feel for Rio. He has done nothing wrong. When Capello took over in January 2008, he held auditions before naming his captain, and vice-captain. He tried Gerrard, Rio, Terry and David Beckham out for the roles. He then decided on John Terry, with Rio Ferdinand his deputy. After Terry's off the field problems, Rio Ferdinand was Capello's first pick to be captain at the World Cup. This coincided with Manchester United centre-half gaining the leadership at club level as well.
And there has been no loss of form, or off the field problems for the 31-year-old. Plain and simply, injuries could cost him everything. Nemanja Vidic has already succeeded him as Manchester United skipper, with Fergie unsure about Rio's long term fitness. Now if he loses the England captaincy as well, he will have every right to bemoan his bad luck. Captain of club and country, then injured, then losing both.
At the end of the day, the captaincy isn't really that important. John Terry is still a leader, if not THE main leader, on the pitch for England, but doesn't have an armband. If Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand are both in the England team against Montenegro on Tuesday, they will both be dishing out the instructions and encouragement, regardless of which one walks onto the pitch first. But Fabio Capello definitely has a tough choice on his hands. And with the two players, playing for such rival clubs, the decision is without doubt going to rile at least one section of England fans.
Steven Gerrard vs Rio Ferdinand head to head!
Gerrard vs Ferdinand
Club ; Liverpool - Manchester United
EPL Titles; 0 - 4
Champions Leagues; 1 - 1
Age ; 30 - 31
England caps ; 87 - 78
England goals ;19 - 3
World Cups ;2 - 2
My verdict; Steven Gerrard, but just!
| 95 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Matt Saltmer
Procrasturbating
Best in Footy
English Premier League