Who should take over from John Terry as England captain?
John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy once again ( and is said to be considering his international future ), this time over concerns about his racial abuse trial, due to begin just after Euro 2012.
But who should the armband pass to next?
Our reporters make the case for the man they think should lead the Three Lions into battle in Poland and Ukraine.
Steven Gerrard - by the Daily Mirror's Liverpool reporter David Maddock
There simply is no other viable candidate! Realistically, he is the only man who possesses all the qualities required to do the job, and the guarantee of an automatic place.
Witness his performances as Liverpool skipper to understand the qualities he will bring: leadership, confidence, diplomacy and presence.
Forget too, this idea that he is too injury prone to be make captain. He has been out for a long time, that is true, but he says he feels stronger and fitter now, on his return, than he has done in many years.
In truth, it’s criminal that he’s not had the armband many more times in his career, because of all the captains in the Premier League, non have surpassed him for leadership and impact on a team.
Arise, captain Gerrard! Why Liverpool skipper must now lead England too
Wayne Rooney - by the Daily Mirror's man in the north-west David Anderson
Wayne Rooney should be the next England captain because he is the team's key player.
It's not a case of if, but when he leads his country and Sir Alex Ferguson sees him as a future Manchester United skipper.
His critics will point to his red card against Montenegro and subsequent ban as proof that he's not ready, but his moments of red mist are increasingly infrequent.
He also has huge big-tournament experience going back to Euro 2004 and making him captain would bring him for England even more.
Gareth Barry - by Daily Mirror's Midlands reporter James Nursey
After several recent fiascos with the armband, England clearly need someone who is reliable, dependendable and has a better public image.
So step forward Gareth Barry who must be a contender anyway for his footballing abilities as he is an England regular and is very comfortable on the ball.
After being criticised at the 2010 World Cup when he was not fully fit, Barry has underlined his class this season to emerge as a key play for Man City in their star-studded midfield.
I know Barry, 30, fairly well from his time at Aston Villa when he wore the armband with pride and led by example on the pitch. He always wanted the ball whatever the circumstances and would usually show leadership by taking penalties too.
He is not a ranter and a raver in the dressing room but is a decent bloke who is well respected by his peers and adept at handling the press.
His injury record is excellent so he is usually always available too and clearly values playing for his country as his haul of 51 caps show.
Gareth Barry for captain? Your Country Needs You.
Scott Parker - by Daily Mirror reporter Darren Lewis
Why look beyond the current Football Writers' Footballer of the Year as the man to lead England at Euro 2012?
Scott Parker is also in great form for Tottenham and has helped to propel the club into the Champions League places and even title contention this season.
He is one of the first names on Fabio Capello's team-sheet and has a decent fitness record so is always likely to be available.
With all the controversy surrounding John Terry, Parker - who is not likely to be seen falling out of a nightclub at 3am - would also ensure England stories remained on the back pages of the newspapers, where they belong.
He has captaincy experience from his days at Charlton Athletic, and although he wasn't club captain at West Ham last season, the players still talk about the speech he gave in the dressing room at half time when they were 3-0 at West Brom, inspiring them to fight-back to 3-3 in the second half. Carlton Cole said after the match: "“It was inspirational. If you were in there you’d have a tear in your eye.”
Parker would also be a good-choice for continuity as he is almost certain to still be in the team if his current club boss Harry Redknapp takes over from Fabio Capello after the Euros.
Joe Hart - by the Daily Mirror's man in the north-west David Anderson
Joe Hart would not let England down if Fabio Capello appointed him as England skipper.
No other England player has matured or developed as much as he has over the last 18 months.
He is unchallenged as the best English goalkeeper in the business and at 24, looks set for a long reign between the sticks.
He has learnt a great deal under Roberto Mancini about what it takes to be a top professional and is emerging as a leader in the City dressing room.
Goalkeepers have done well for England in the past as skippers and just look at Peter Shilton.
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