Rafa tips Gerrard for captaincy
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Rafa Benitez has urged England boss Steve McClaren to give the captain's armband to Steven Gerrard.
McClaren is set to name David Beckham's successor as skipper when he selects his first England squad this Friday.
Chelsea defender John Terry and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard are the leading contenders, and Benitez feels his man should get the nod.
Gerrard has thrived as captain of Liverpool in recent times, but Benitez is confident that his performances could soar to an even greater level if he was handed the same role with The Three Lions.
"Stevie is more mature, thinking about the game, and I see no reason why he could not do both jobs," said the Reds boss.
"Maybe it could even help him in terms of being really focused knowing how important it would be to be England captain.
"As a manager you want to see your players improving and he has the potential to do that even more."
Benitez believes that Gerrard's experiences for Liverpool over the past couple of years make him the perfect candidate for captaincy.
The 26-year-old has inspired the Anfield club to glory in the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup and is hungry for more success at international level.
"It helps that he is at a good club. He's had a lot of experience in big games," Benitez explained.
"In Stevie's case over the last two years we have been fighting for trophies and that's the main thing for him."
McClaren is set to name David Beckham's successor as skipper when he selects his first England squad this Friday.
Chelsea defender John Terry and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard are the leading contenders, and Benitez feels his man should get the nod.
Gerrard has thrived as captain of Liverpool in recent times, but Benitez is confident that his performances could soar to an even greater level if he was handed the same role with The Three Lions.
"Stevie is more mature, thinking about the game, and I see no reason why he could not do both jobs," said the Reds boss.
"Maybe it could even help him in terms of being really focused knowing how important it would be to be England captain.
"As a manager you want to see your players improving and he has the potential to do that even more."
Benitez believes that Gerrard's experiences for Liverpool over the past couple of years make him the perfect candidate for captaincy.
The 26-year-old has inspired the Anfield club to glory in the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup and is hungry for more success at international level.
"It helps that he is at a good club. He's had a lot of experience in big games," Benitez explained.
"In Stevie's case over the last two years we have been fighting for trophies and that's the main thing for him."
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