England boss Fabio Capello is facing up to a leadership vacuum as he considers his options for a successor to John Terry as captain of the national team.
Capello’s hand has been forced after the FA board decided to strip Terry of the captaincy on Friday pending the outcome of his trial in July on a charge, which he denies, of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
Steven Gerrard is Capello’s most likely choice but the Liverpool midfielder has not played for England since November 2010 and injury problems have continued to dog him this season – in total he has missed the last nine internationals.
Rio Ferdinand, the official vice-captain, on Friday ruled himself out of contention and there is no guarantee he will be in the England squad either.
Wayne Rooney is suspended for the first two matches of Euro 2012, and of those remaining that would be certain of a place in the starting XI, Ashley Cole has said he does not want the armband.
That leaves Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, but he has never captained a team before.
Other options will depend on who is available for Capello.
Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has forced his way into the international set-up but has only a handful of caps, Frank Lampard has been England captain before but is by no means certain to start, nor is City’s Gareth Barry – especially if Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is fit.
Manchester United’s Ferdinand was angered at his treatment by Capello when the captaincy was restored to Terry a year ago without the manager informing him, and he insisted on Friday he does not want it again.
He told BBC’s Football Focus: “Honestly – no. I have been England captain before for a brief period and it was taken away from me, so I just want to concentrate on playing for Manchester United.
“If I am selected from the squad, then as usual I will be delighted. Being selected for your country is a great achievement and I always feel privileged to be selected so if that comes around again I will meet up happily and give it my 100 per cent as usual.”