[mr_missile]

Rooney named England captain

Wayne Rooney has been named England captain for Friday night's World Cup qualifier with San Marino at Wembley.

England boss Roy Hodgson has given the armband to Rooney with regular skipper Steven Gerrard missing the visit of San Marino through suspension.

Gerrard's obvious replacement Frank Lampard has also been forced to miss the game at Wembley after failing to shake off a knee injury.

Joe Hart, who had also been mentioned as a possible contender for the captaincy, backed Rooney for the role earlier this week saying the Manchester United man was the ideal candidate to take the armband.

It means it will be the first time Rooney, who has won 76 caps for his country, will lead out his team for a competitive game as captain.

Gerrard will take the armband for next week's qualifier with Poland after serving his ban against San Marino.

Rooney said at a press conference ahead of Friday's game: "It's a great honour, it's something I'm really proud of.

"It's a big challenge for myself, I'm really looking forward to it and excited, and hopefully we can cap the day off with a good victory."

England boss Roy Hodgson added: "I've enjoyed working with Wayne, we had a good Euros and I enjoyed working with him there.

"I was disappointed when he got that terrible gash and I was even worried it could rule him out of not only the September games, but also the October games.

"Luckily he's made a very quick recovery and now he's available for the games, and he'll certainly captain the team in the first one."

Hodgson was unwilling to offer any further insight into his team-sheet for tomorrow's meeting with the joint lowest-ranked team in the world, with speculation in some quarters that key men such as Ashley Cole could be rested ahead of Tuesday's clash with Poland.

"I haven't spoken to the players about the team," he said at the televised briefing.

"I guess Wayne Rooney realises he's starting the game because he's sitting alongside me as captain of the team."