Fabio Capello has admitted the choice of England captain is his most important decision as manager.
The Italian has only just entered his second week as Steve McClaren's successor and still has plenty to ponder over the next fortnight as he assesses his squad for the February 6 friendly with Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland.
Not least among his dilemmas is whether to confirm David Beckham as only the fifth player to make 100 appearances for England.
A positive ruling in favour of Beckham is anticipated, and with it the captain's armband, which could give Capello a bit of time.
The 61-year-old is keen to see all the contenders in action before he reaches a verdict and as current incumbent John Terry is waiting for the results of his latest scan to see whether he can step up his comeback from a foot injury, a temporary captaincy for Beckham would allow the Chelsea defender to stake his claim along with the other plausible choices Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen.
'The captaincy is a very important decision,' said Capello.
'There are many things I have to evaluate and I must come up with a choice that is right.
'A captain must be a leader, someone who carries the team, somebody that, in every moment, is important for the team.
'I am still deciding whether to pick a definitive captain or a provisional one. First, I need to know all the candidates well because it is such an important choice.'
As befits a man of such vast experience and a CV that includes nine league titles, Capello was giving little away.
Neither was he willing to confirm the presence of Beckham in his first squad, nor even suggest he has any plans to meet the only current England player he has ever managed.
Although Beckham is currently training with Arsenal as he tries to maintain match fitness during the Major League Soccer shutdown, it is to Arsene Wenger Capello will go for advice rather than the player directly.
'I am accustomed to meeting managers,' he said. 'With the players I will speak when we get together.'
Capello accepts debate over Beckham's position within the squad is `valid' but clearly has no intention of being swayed by the midfielder's popularity or his 99 caps.
'All managers have sentiment, but they also need to take decisions,' he said.
'Beckham is important for England and can still give a lot, but as everybody knows, all the players are equally important to me and start from the same position, including David Beckham.'
by soccernet.espn.go.com
The Italian has only just entered his second week as Steve McClaren's successor and still has plenty to ponder over the next fortnight as he assesses his squad for the February 6 friendly with Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland.
Not least among his dilemmas is whether to confirm David Beckham as only the fifth player to make 100 appearances for England.
A positive ruling in favour of Beckham is anticipated, and with it the captain's armband, which could give Capello a bit of time.
The 61-year-old is keen to see all the contenders in action before he reaches a verdict and as current incumbent John Terry is waiting for the results of his latest scan to see whether he can step up his comeback from a foot injury, a temporary captaincy for Beckham would allow the Chelsea defender to stake his claim along with the other plausible choices Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen.
'The captaincy is a very important decision,' said Capello.
'There are many things I have to evaluate and I must come up with a choice that is right.
'A captain must be a leader, someone who carries the team, somebody that, in every moment, is important for the team.
'I am still deciding whether to pick a definitive captain or a provisional one. First, I need to know all the candidates well because it is such an important choice.'
As befits a man of such vast experience and a CV that includes nine league titles, Capello was giving little away.
Neither was he willing to confirm the presence of Beckham in his first squad, nor even suggest he has any plans to meet the only current England player he has ever managed.
Although Beckham is currently training with Arsenal as he tries to maintain match fitness during the Major League Soccer shutdown, it is to Arsene Wenger Capello will go for advice rather than the player directly.
'I am accustomed to meeting managers,' he said. 'With the players I will speak when we get together.'
Capello accepts debate over Beckham's position within the squad is `valid' but clearly has no intention of being swayed by the midfielder's popularity or his 99 caps.
'All managers have sentiment, but they also need to take decisions,' he said.
'Beckham is important for England and can still give a lot, but as everybody knows, all the players are equally important to me and start from the same position, including David Beckham.'
by soccernet.espn.go.com
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