Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has backed his club skipper Steven Gerrard to take on the England captaincy.
Gerrard is firm favourite to be handed the captain's armband for this week's friendly with Holland.
The Three Lions are without a permanent skipper following the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the armband.
With Fabio Capello leaving as part of the Terry aftermath, Stuart Pearce takes charge of the match and Downing feels he could do worse than hand the captaincy to Gerrard.
"He's captained Liverpool for many years and done very well and if picked for England would do that job well," the winger said at a press conference.
"He's a big player for Liverpool and England, has a great influence on England and drives teams on so if he is given the captaincy then great.
"He certainly has (a lot to offer). I've not spoken to Steven about if he will retire after the tournament. I'll be selfish and hope he stays on."
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