Gerrard says He wants the England captaincy job

Feb 25, 2012, 11:24 GMT

London - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he wants to be made England captain for Euro 2012.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who captained the national side at the World Cup in 2010 before losing the role, is the favourite to be given the job.

Interim England manager Stuart Pearce did not name a captain for next week's friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley.

But in an interview with BBC's Football Focus programme, to be broadcast later Saturday, Gerrard said he would be honoured to be given the job again.

'If I get offered it, I'll take it and I'll be delighted and I'll be very proud to take it,' he said.

'But it's not my decision. It's down to, first of all, who Stuart Pearce wants to lead the team out, then whoever gets the job full time. But I want to be England captain.'

The captaincy is up for grabs after the FA removed John Terry from the role after his trial for alleged racist abuse was delayed until after Euro 2012.

Former captain Rio Ferdinand said he was not interested in the role but Gerrard is clearly keen on regaining the captain's armband.

And the Liverpool captain said England will benefit from having a new manager in the build-up to the summer's championships.

'I thought (Fabio Capello) would stay until the end of the summer, until the end of his contract and then move on, so it was a bit of a surprise (when he resigned),' Gerrard said.

'(But) I don't think it will affect the England team. We'll get a new manager - it's a fresh start for everyone. It may be the lift we need to have a successful summer.'

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