Hart flattered to be candidate for captaincy
GOALKEEPER Joe Hart admits captaining England would be “amazing” but insists it is still “a long way off” for the Manchester City No1.
Hart (inset) has been touted as a possible skipper for tonight’s friendly against Holland, a notion lent credibility by his nomination for media duties on the eve of the match. But he remains a less obvious choice than other members of the squad, such as Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard or even Hart’s club colleague Gareth Barry.
And he said: “I think I speak for everyone who is English and likes football that to captain your country would be amazing and a great honour. But it’s a long way off happening for myself, there are some big candidates and big names and a lot of caps to be put on the table. Whatever happens, happens.”
ARMBAND OPTIONS
STEVEN GERRARD
Has the most England captaincy experience in the squad and used to leading Liverpool for years. The outstanding candidate for the role long-term.
JOE HART
A certain starter, widely admired and blessed with a good temperament, but questions raised over potential influence of a goalkeeper as skipper.
GARETH BARRY
Has worn the armband before and, with 51 caps, has more experience than most, but faces stern competition for a regular starting place.
SCOTT PARKER
Newly-crowned England player of the year to match his PFA award and an increasingly prominent figure in the team but Tottenham man remains an outsider.
JAMES MILNER
Midfielder has been mentioned as captaincy material despite just 23 caps and a loose grip on a starting shirt.