Steven Gerrard: Wayne Rooney is 'natural leader', worthy for England captaincy

Former England skipper Steven Gerrard has backed teammate Wayne Rooney to hold the captainship for the national team.

Gerrard announced his retirement from international duty in the weeks after England's disappointing World Cup campaign earlier this summer and believes Rooney is a worthy successor, The Guardian reported.

The England manager Roy Hodgson is set to name his new captain on Thursday when he announces his squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland on September 8 and it is expected that Rooney, who was recently installed as the Manchester United captain by Louis van Gaal, will get the nod.

Gerrard wrote in his Mail on Sunday column that Wayne is a natural leader. Aside from being a top player, one who commands respect within the group, Wayne is passionate about representing his country and won't be fazed by the responsibility. Gerrard also said that Rooney has been one of the most vocal players in the dressing room. He wouldn't be afraid of speaking up and talking to someone one to one, telling them what is expected.

He added that as a deputy Rooney gave him great support and during their 11 years of playing together, he saw him blossom.

However, Rooney appears to be the obvious choice given that Frank Lampard, who was England's vice-captain in Brazil, is no longer a guaranteed starter for the national side.