Liverpool FC: Skipper Steven Gerrard odds-on to lead England into Euro 2012

Feb 4 2012 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo

STEVEN GERRARD is odds-on favourite to lead England into Euro 2012 after the FA stripped John Terry of the captain’s armband.

Terry was relieved of the role yesterday following the announcement that he will stand trial on July 9 – the day after the tournament final accused of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, a charge he denies.

Ferdinand’s brother, Rio, immediately said he did not want the job, leaving Liverpool skipper Gerrard as the only realistic choice for Fabio Capello.

The England manager was not involved in the decision to remove Terry, which was taken by the FA board, led by chairman David Bernstein.

Terry, 31, is reportedly considering retiring from international football – and his club manager Andres Villas-Boas criticised the FA’s action.

Capello himself had stuck by his belief that Terry should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty and keep the armband.

It is the second time the Chelsea captain has been stripped of the England armband having also lost it two years ago after allegations surrounding his private life came to light.

The FA said in a statement: “The FA board expected the trial to be concluded prior to the European Championship. Further to Wednesday’s confirmation that the trial will not take place until after the tournament, the board has discussed the matter in detail and has collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties that John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed at this time.

“This decision has been taken due to the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament.

“The FA board can confirm that he has not been excluded from the squad and that Fabio Capello is free to select him for the Holland fixture on 29 February and the European Championship.

“This decision in no way infers any suggestion of guilt in relation to the charge made against John Terry.”

Gerrard, 31, has captained England on 15 occasions, including all four of England’s games at the 2010 World Cup.