Taylor back Terry for captaincy

Former England caretaker boss Peter Taylor has backed John Terry to take over as skipper from David Beckham.

Beckham, who stood down on Sunday, was appointed captain by Taylor for the friendly with Italy in November 2000.

"For me, John Terry is the obvious choice," said the England Under-21 and Crystal Palace boss.

Terry, 25, has also won support from Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, who said: "John has many strengths - not just as a player but as a man."

Taylor believes Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand are the other main candidates.

Steve McClaren, who has taken over from Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss, will need to appoint a new captain after Beckham stood down following England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Beckham, 31, led the team 58 times as he remained skipper during Eriksson's five-and-a-half-year reign.

Taylor added: "When I had to pick a captain for my one game in charge I had three options, in David Beckham, Gareth Southgate or Gary Neville.

"Steve McClaren also has choices with John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand - all leaders in different ways.

"John Terry has done a superb job for Chelsea over the past couple of years, he's young and is an inspirational type of player."

Terry is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Beckham and Lampard believes he has the qualities needed to succeed in the role.

Lampard said: "He's a great leader at Chelsea and a great player for England.

"He helps others around him and has that strength of character, which means he's not just concerned about himself but everything that will benefit the team.

"John also exudes an air of confidence in the way he plays. He sets standards for people around him. He is also a good mixer when we are away, like at a World Cup."

From : BBC