Betting on the Next England Captain - Review of Favourites

Chelsea centre back John Terry has been installed as a hot favourite - a top-priced 1/3 with VCbet - to be named as the next England captain following David Beckham's decision to stand down from the role. David Beckham has, for one reason or another over the years, had plenty of criticism thrown his way. Perhaps sometimes a disproportionate amount. Indeed, as England captain you're always there to be shot at. However, I am of the opinion that he was probably handed the armband in the first instance for commercial reasons as much as anything else. Don't doubt the influence of the marketing men. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he is well respected by his team mates and that his choice of music in the dressing room is probably to the liking of all. That is, unless, he insists on playing Spice Girls numbers! But, let's be honest, the personification of the player that should captain the Three Lions is embodied by the likes of Tony Adams, Terry Butcher and latterly Alan Shearer. Beckham is simply too pretty and too much of a nice guy to assume such a role. It would be wrong to undermine his determination, because Becks can be a tenacious lad but he hasn't got that fire in the belly that was associated with likes of the aforementioned triumvirate. Looking at Sven's reign, the captains during his protracted tenure have been as follows: David Beckham, who has worn the armband in 58 matches, Michael Owen (8 matches), and Sol Campbell and Steven Gerard (one match apiece). These are ll top-class players, of that there can be no doubt. But while none of that quartet of players are wall flowers, none of them could be categorised as born leaders either. They are more shy and retiring than vociferous. Funnily enough, pretty much like Sven. Quiet and thoughtful. Hopefully, Steve McClaren - brand new gnashers fitted as advised by the PR posse at Soho Square - will not allow these little cliques that Sven has created to continue and will impose himself on the players in the way that Sven didn't seem capable. When El Tel was at the helm, players would play. I mean, would you want to have Venables tearing into you in the dressing room? Point is, in many cases the best way is to be nice but when you're managing players with inflated egos and exorbitant pay packets, you need to stamp your authority and show them who's boss, not pander to their every whim and reward bad performances with time off of training for shopping trips with the Mrs. The captain has to command a similar level of respect, and it has to be said that John Terry is a worthy candidate for the captaincy. But, to my mind, Gary Neville (16/1 with Stan James) should be the one handed the armband. Neville is probably one of the most underrated England players of modern times. He is understated, which is probably why, but if we were back in the 80s or the early 90s now, Neville would be the automatic choice to captain the country. Now shirt sales are just as important as overall suitability. In fact, more so. Terry does possess the qualities needed to fulfil the role, I'm not suggesting otherwise. But Neville's a bit older, wiser and has a superior level of experience to Terry. In essence, he would let his head rule his heart. In a few years Terry will probably do likewise but at the present time I'm not so sure. Steven Gerard (10/3 with Skybet) is an inspiring player. He has so much drive and energy, qualities which certainly makes him a viable alternative. However, and I know this may sound a tad old fashioned, but it seems logical that a captain should be more mature in years. Surely it makes it easier to command respect form your team mates when you are speaking from many years of top-flight experience? We shall see. But let's hope that McClaren has the requisite backbone to ensure that Sven's pampering of England's biggest names doesn't continue, and that he makes decisions based on what's best for the team rather than for commercial reasons.