England manager Roy Hodgson has named Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney the rightful successor to the England captaincy when Steven Gerrard retires from international football.
Rooney captained England for the first time in his illustrious international career during the Three Lions 5-0 win over San Marino on Friday.
Hodgson, who named Rooney as his vice-captain for Euro 2012, insisted that he has always planned on handing Rooney the captain’s armband when Gerrard hangs up his boots, despite the return of the experienced Frank Lampard to the England squad.
“Wayne [Rooney] was my vice-captain in the Euros [2012] – at least he was from the moment he could start playing again,” revealed Hodgson.
“Steve [Gerrard] was given the captain’s armband and I made it clear Wayne would be the vice-captain.
“Frank [Lampard] has come back in and captained the team, but I always had it in my mind that Wayne would be vice-captain.”
England are currently leading Group H — Moldova, Montenegro, Poland and San Marino — with seven points from three matches, while Montenegro and Poland are on four points having played just two qualifiers respectively.
Roy Hodgson, Wayne Rooney and the rest of the England squad will travel to the National Stadium in Warsaw to take on Poland in the final 2014 World Cup qualifying match of the international break on Tuesday.
The former Liverpool boss selected four Manchester United players — Danny Welbeck, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Wayne Rooney — against San Marino on Friday.
Rooney and Welbeck warranted their inclusion with a brace apiece, while Cleverley justified his selection by architecting two goals for the Three Lions.
Cleverley’s purple patch has undeniably transferred over from club, Manchester United, to country, England.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has netted two goals in his last three matches for the Red Devils, is hopeful of winning another international cap against Poland, and deservingly so.
Cleverley has featured in all four matches for England this season, tallying three assists in the process.
“I am really pleased about that [featuring in all four England games this season],” said Cleverley.
“It makes me feel really proud and I am always happy to represent my country.
“We have won three and drew one [of the four games] and hopefully I will get the nod on Tuesday and carry on the good form.”
2014 World Cup Qualifying Betting Odds | Poland v England
Poland (3/1) v England (19/20); Draw (12/5)
Total Goals | Over 2.5 (23/20) | Under 2.5 (4/6)
Goalscorers (England) | Wayne Rooney (7/5) | Jermain Defoe (8/5) | Danny Welbeck (7/4)
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