Steven Gerrard backed for England captaincy

By Matt Duxbury

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard should succeed John Terry as England captain, according to Graham Taylor.

The former manager of the national team told BBC Sport that the 31-year-old midfielder would be a good choice for the armband after Terry was stripped of the role by the FA on Friday.

England boss Fabio Capello must decide who will replace the Chelsea defender, who is currently awaiting trial for the alleged racist abuse of QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

"Gerrard's been captain before and I'd expect Capello to give it to him," Taylor commented.

"If he gets his top-class form back, I think I would do the same."

Taylor also said that taking the armband away from Terry was the "correct decision" by the FA.

Gerrard has not played for England in 14 months due to injury, but he returned to the Liverpool side in December and recent displays suggest he still has much to offer the national team.

Former England skipper Rio Ferdinand has already made it clear he would not be interested in regaining the captaincy.