Gerrard defends captaincy hype

Steven Gerrard does not believe there is a problem in making a big deal of the England captaincy.

The skipper of the Three Lions holds one of the most high-profile positions in the country and their every move is detailed by the media.

John Terry was recently stripped of the armband, with Fabio Capello deciding that Rio Ferdinand should take over the role.

Ferdinand is not fit to face Egypt in Wednesday's battle so Liverpool talisman Gerrard will fill in temporarily and he is proud to be leading his troops into battle.

Gerrard thinks England are right with their approach to captaincy and has questioned why other nations do not put such an emphasis on it.

"I don't think we make too much of it. To be captain of England is a proud feeling," he said.

"Every kid dreams of being England captain. I was no different.

"I don't really care about what other countries think about the captaincy. You have to earn the right to be England captain.

"It's disrespecting the captaincy to get it as the oldest or most capped player. It's massive over here, and rightly so."

Gerrard feels Capello has made a good decision to appoint Ferdinand because he is such an important player for the team.

Gerrard could be in line to captain England at the World Cup if Ferdinand fails to shake off his injury concerns but the midfielder insists that is the furthest thing from his mind.

"Rio has been put in to become the captain full time," he said.

"In an ideal situation, if he's fit, he's a massive player.

"I understand he's got a back injury so, fingers crossed, he'll be fit.

"You talk about how important Wayne Rooney is for the team but Rio's no different. A vital player."

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