Pearce could choose member of new generation to lead England

As the saga regarding the England captaincy rumbles on, Steven Gerrard has seen plenty of support from punters, who have backed him into an odds-on 4/9 to lead the side out against Holland.

Gerrard has previous experience of the role, guiding his country in the absence of Rio Ferdinand at the 2010 World Cup, though he has only ever been afforded the role of vice-captain in a permanent capacity.

While Gerrard’s pedigree is undoubted at both club and international level though, Stuart Pearce’s preference to include young talent in his squad could also see him stretch to naming one of his new, younger generation of stars as captain for the Wembley clash.

Second favourite for the role is Joe Hart, and as a player currently being talked of as one of the greatest in the world in his position, he is guaranteed to feature, and could be worth backing to wear the armband at 2/1.

Hart is one of the ‘new guard’ aged just 24, and his vociferous nature, along with his assurance and confidence in between the posts would seem to indicate that the role would suit his personality on the pitch seamlessly.

The goalkeeper is scheduled to appear at today’s Wembley press conference, and these meetings traditionally feature the manager and captain so close to fixtures, though the FA are refusing to confirm that this is the case this time round.

Scott Parker comes next in the betting at 11/2, and some would say that the sheer heart of his displays would stand him in good stead with Pearce, while 6/1 Gareth Barry has been as impressive as he has ever been this season for Premier League leaders Manchester City.

James Milner is also an interesting proposition at a big 16/1, with the versatile midfielder long admired by Pearce, who has made him captain of his under-21 team in the past.

Ashley Cole, meanwhile, appears the most far-fetched candidate at 25/1.