Former England manager Steve McClaren believes his successor Fabio Capello must name John Terry as his long-term captain if he wants to get the best out of the Chelsea defender.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is expected to be handed the armband in Wednesday's friendly clash with Switzerland at Wembley, with Terry absent because of injury.
But it appears to be a straight fight between the two to be named Capello's on-field leader when the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup gets under way in the autumn.
McClaren, who was sacked after England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, opted for the Chelsea man during his ill-fated tenure - and he has implored the Italian to do the same.
"The bottom line is that Steven Gerrard doesn't need to be England captain, but you get an extra 10% from JT if he's in charge," he told the News of the World.
"I'm not saying John is less of a player when he's not captain but, since he was a kid, he's been used to being a leader on the pitch.
"Stevie is similar to (David) Beckham in that he leads by what he does on the pitch.
"John is totally different. He gives orders, he organises people and he'll put his body on the line every time."
But it appears to be a straight fight between the two to be named Capello's on-field leader when the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup gets under way in the autumn.
McClaren, who was sacked after England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, opted for the Chelsea man during his ill-fated tenure - and he has implored the Italian to do the same.
"The bottom line is that Steven Gerrard doesn't need to be England captain, but you get an extra 10% from JT if he's in charge," he told the News of the World.
"I'm not saying John is less of a player when he's not captain but, since he was a kid, he's been used to being a leader on the pitch.
"Stevie is similar to (David) Beckham in that he leads by what he does on the pitch.
"John is totally different. He gives orders, he organises people and he'll put his body on the line every time."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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