Who could new manager Sam Allardyce pick as England captain?

26 July 2016 11:36

New England boss Sam Allardyce has remained tight-lipped over Wayne Rooney's future as Three Lions captain following his appointment.

Allardyce said he will reveal his decision when the squad meet up for their World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in September.

Here we take a look at who Allardyce may select to wear the armband.

WAYNE ROONEY

The Manchester United striker has had the England armband for two years, having replaced Steven Gerrard after the 2014 World Cup. The team's record scorer with 53 goals, he is also closing in on Peter Shilton's appearance record of 125 and is the joint most-capped outfield player with David Beckham on 115. Rooney has demonstrated he can lead his country and while there is speculation surrounding the armband, and his international future as a whole, Allardyce has indicated he can continue to play a big role.

JOE HART

Before the summer he would have been an obvious pick were Rooney to relinquish the armband, but a poor Euro 2016 will have knocked his chances. Mistakes against Wales and Iceland were too big to ignore and he faces a battle for his place with Fraser Forster fully fit again after a knee injury. But, despite the summer gaffes, in the past Manchester City's Hart has proven invaluable for club and country and it would be churlish to rule out the goalkeeper, who has 63 caps and is one of the most experienced players in the squad.

CHRIS SMALLING

The Manchester United defender has slowly grown into an imposing force and was one of the few shining lights under Louis van Gaal last season. He has already been championed by former United defender Gary Pallister as a future England skipper. Having learned his trade with Nemanja Vidic and former England skipper Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford, Smalling has slowly become an England regular after making his tournament debut in the wretched 2014 World Cup campaign and is United's vice-captain behind Rooney.

ERIC DIER

Illness forced his withdrawal in the dismal defeat to Iceland and while few came out of the European Championship with credit, Dier at least impressed in his early performances. Like Tottenham team-mate Dele Alli he has become integral to club and country in a short space of time, having only made his international debut last November. He is inexperienced at international level, winning 11 caps so far, but the 22-year-old is smart on and off the pitch and speaks with maturity.

MARK NOBLE

A wildcard. The West Ham captain may be uncapped but his form last season led to calls for a maiden England call. And having played under Allardyce at the Hammers, Noble could be in line for an England debut. He has proven leadership qualities having helped guide West Ham to seventh last season, scoring seven goals. He also captained the England Under-21 side at Euro 2009 when the Young Lions lost 4-0 to Germany in the final in Sweden.

Source: PA-WIRE