Rafa backs Stevie over captaincy
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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez would have no objections to Steven Gerrard taking on the England captaincy.
The FA are set to usher in a new regime on August 1, with Steve McClaren taking on the managerial reins from Sven Goran Eriksson.
McClaren will need a new on-field leader, as David Beckham opted to step down after the World Cup finals.
Chelsea defender John Terry and Gerrard are believed to be the two men in the frame to take on the role and Benitez would be happy to see his midfield powerhouse lead his country.
"If Stevie is happy to be England captain, I will be happy," said Benitez. "I will try to help him.
"It is up to Steve McClaren who will be captain, and he could pick Gerrard. Stevie is more mature now and could handle it.
"He could replace David Beckham. He is a fantastic player and he could do the same for England he has done as captain of Liverpool."
Benitez had words of sympathy for Eriksson, whose reign ended with defeat at the quarter finals of the World Cup.
"England will have a lot of opportunities in the future, because they have some really talented players," the Spaniard added.
"It is true they did not play that well in the World Cup, but it is so difficult at that level.
"The same thing applies to my players in the Spanish side, all of them were disappointed and know it could have been better. But I would prefer not to criticise, but to maintain my respect for the players and the manager."
The FA are set to usher in a new regime on August 1, with Steve McClaren taking on the managerial reins from Sven Goran Eriksson.
McClaren will need a new on-field leader, as David Beckham opted to step down after the World Cup finals.
Chelsea defender John Terry and Gerrard are believed to be the two men in the frame to take on the role and Benitez would be happy to see his midfield powerhouse lead his country.
"If Stevie is happy to be England captain, I will be happy," said Benitez. "I will try to help him.
"It is up to Steve McClaren who will be captain, and he could pick Gerrard. Stevie is more mature now and could handle it.
"He could replace David Beckham. He is a fantastic player and he could do the same for England he has done as captain of Liverpool."
Benitez had words of sympathy for Eriksson, whose reign ended with defeat at the quarter finals of the World Cup.
"England will have a lot of opportunities in the future, because they have some really talented players," the Spaniard added.
"It is true they did not play that well in the World Cup, but it is so difficult at that level.
"The same thing applies to my players in the Spanish side, all of them were disappointed and know it could have been better. But I would prefer not to criticise, but to maintain my respect for the players and the manager."
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