Steve Gerrard has described being handed the captain's armband for England as a dream come true.
The Liverpool midfielder has skippered his country 16 times during his 90-cap career, but only ever as a stand-in.
However, the 31-year-old said that this feels like the first time he will lead the Three Lions, after being named as Roy Hodgson's number one man.
"For the first time I really feel like I'm the England captain," admitted Gerrard. "All the other times, I've known the armband was going to go back, either after the tournament or individual games.
"Fabio Capello had belief in me as a player but it was clear he didn't have total belief for me to be the official captain. This manager has done that.
"It's very nice and good for my confidence. You've got to relish it. I'm sitting here as England captain. It's fantastic. It's something I've always dreamed of."
Gerrard has been captain of Liverpool since 2003.
Michael Penkman
