Why Rooney is the only choice to succeed Terry as England captain

By Simon Mullock

Published 10:51 05/02/10

• 

There should only be one man in the frame to take over as England captain if Fabio Capello decides he needs a new leader – Wayne Rooney.

Don’t expect Terry to do the honourable thing and resign – he’s already proved that isn’t in his nature. It will be left to Capello to tear the soiled England armband off the Chelsea defender.

Then the England coach would be faced with the decision of who to put his trust in.

The usual modus operandi when they are selecting a captain in Italy is to go for the player with the most international caps.

But in England, it is about much more than choosing heads or tails before kick off. It is the ultimate position of prestige, with a responsibility to be a role model for kids and an ambassador for the country.

It’s about following in the footsteps of Bobby Moore.

All the usual suspects will come under scrutiny – and each of them carries his own baggage as far as past misdemeanours are concerned.

Twelve months ago, Rio Ferdinand would have been the favourite to step in given the way he has often filled the breach at Manchester United.

Perhaps the nation would forgive and forget his starring role alongside Frank Lampard in that despicable Aiya Napa sex tape and the fact that he once served an eight-month FA ban for missing a drug test.

But what are the odds of Ferdinand getting through all of England’s group games at the World Cup – and hopefully four more matches in the knock-out stages - given the back problems that have limited his appearances at Old Trafford over the last two years? The last thing we need is another Bryan Robson scenario in South Africa.

Lampard would be a popular choice. Not only is he one of the first names Capello inks on his team sheet, he is also one of the most articulate players in the game.

But Lampard will celebrate his 32nd birthday during the World Cup so the clock is ticking on his international career. It would only be a stop-gap appointment.

Steven Gerrard will also be the wrong side of 30 when he goes to South Africa.

I felt the Liverpool captain should have been given the job ahead of Terry when Steve McClaren was in charge because he proved over a decade at Anfield that he has the ability to inspire those around him with one moment of magic.

Think back to Istanbul 2005 and Cardiff 12 months later.

Gerrard successfully defended himself against a charge of affray in court recently so his reputation remains unsullied.

But Capello can look to the present and the future by handing the armband to Rooney.

The United striker is now one of the top four players in the world.

Since his ill-judged visit to that lady of the Liverpool night known as the Auld Slapper, he has matured into a husband, father and a talisman for club and country.

Without Rooney both United and England would border on mediocrity.

Okay he isn’t an experienced captain – but neither was David Beckham.

And no-one, not even Robson in his pomp, has led by example better than Beckham in the 44 years since Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy.

Beckham was a good player for England before November 2000 even though many supporters vilified him for his sending off at France ’98 and his showbiz lifestyle.

From the moment Peter Taylor handed him the captaincy against Italy, Beckham became a world-class midfielder.

It was the making of the man and a national icon still loved around the world.

Rooney might not have the same golden-boy looks or pop-star wife, but he thrives the same way under the weight of responsibility and expectation. He has carried United this season.

Like Beckham he was sent off at a World Cup. Four years later this can be his time for redemption.

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!