Downing backs Gerrard for skipper

Stewart Downing believes his Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard would make an excellent England captain.

England go into Wednesday's friendly with Holland without a permanent manager and skipper following Fabio Capello's resignation and the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the armband. Stuart Pearce takes charge for the match and Downing feels he could do worse than hand the captaincy to Gerrard.

"He's captained Liverpool for many years and done very well and if picked for England would do that job well," the winger said at a press conference. "He's a big player for Liverpool and England, has a great influence on England and drives teams on so if he is given the captaincy then great."

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