England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that he is likely to hand Wayne Rooney the captaincy for their match with the Republic of Ireland later this month.
The Three Lions will be without regular skipper Steven Gerrard who is preparing to undergo shoulder surgery, and the 27-year-old is expected to beat Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole to the armband.
Hodgson hopes that Rooney, who recently handed in a transfer request at Manchester United, will be able to focus against Ireland.
"He knows he is right up there," said Hodgson. "He has captained England once for me, at home to San Marino.
"I know he enjoyed that experience and I am pretty sure there are times when he will captain England again.
"There are rumours circulating about whether he wants a move and if Manchester United are prepared to sell him. I am not prepared to start making public statements about what I think is best for him. It's a matter for Wayne and Manchester United. I'm sure it will all get sorted between them. As far as I am concerned, it's about what he does for England."
England host Ireland on May 29 at Wembley Stadium.
Matt Cotton
