Hodgson earmarks Rooney for England captaincy

England manager Roy Hodgson has lined up Wayne Rooney as a future captain to replace Steven Gerrard when the Liverpool midfielder retires.

Hodgson has yet to name a vice-captain for Euro 2012 as a deputy to Gerrard, but judging by the former West Brom manager press conference on Friday, Rooney may get the nod – despite the talismanic striker being suspended for the Three Lions’ opening two Group D fixtures against France and Sweden.

Thereafter, Hodgson seems likely to install Rooney as vice-captain. And if he judges that his temperament is right and he proves up to the task, he is the favourite to wear the armband for England when Gerrard calls time on his England career.

Hodgson is not alone in thinking that Rooney has the right credentials for the job; former coach Fabio Capello also spoke glowingly about the 26-year-old captaining the national side.

“Vice-captain is something we’re considering and Wayne would come into the reckoning,” he said.

“We’re having to take it on a game-by-game basis but Wayne would be considered.”

The Manchester United striker is expected to miss Saturday’s friendly with Belgium at Wembley as Hodgson is still trying to work out his starting line-up for the opening game against France, which is just nine days away.

Rooney will obviously play no role in that game, and his place is expected to be taken by his club team-mate Danny Welbeck, who has proved his fitness in training this week.