Capello praises Gerrard

Last updated : 06 February 2008 By Al Campbell
The new England boss has appointed Gerrard captain for tonight's friendly against Switzerland. Gerrard got the nod because he 'commands authority'.

"Steven Gerrard is the Liverpool captain - and Liverpool are a very important team which won the Campions League," said Capello.

"He is a player who commands authority and can lead by example on the pitch and inspire the team. I think he is an important player for England and he will be the captain for this match.

"He is not going to be a permanent captain and I am not going to announce a permanent captain before the Andorran game.

"But at the moment, I believe Steven Gerrard is important for everyone, for all the players we have, because he is a player who can transmit things and, like I said, can inspire players."