John Terry or Steven Gerrard? Vote For Your England Captain!
David Beckham’s resignation after England’s exit from Germany 2006 leaves us with only two real options for the captain’s post - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Both are ideal candidates with impeccable credentials:
- The age factor - at 25, both Gerrard and Terry can expect to be in their prime come Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010. Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand, two other options, do not offer England that sort of long-term planning.
- Experience - both are captains of their clubs and have been responsible for the stunning form Liverpool and Chelsea have shown in the last two years.
- Reliability - John Terry and Steven Gerrard are two of England’s most reliable players (that cannot be said for Michael Owen, another candidate for captaincy).
While both are not ideal captains for me (I’d prefer Becks or Rio to captain the side - United bias), the fact remains that these two are the most popular and likely choices available to Steve McClaren.
Personally, I don’t think having a defender as a captain is a great idea. Sure, Terry’s will to win in second to none, but he has not had to carry the hopes of a whole team like Gerrard has for so long, and the midfielder has raised his game with the added responsibility (as long as he was ensured the recognition for it). What’s more, position-wise, Gerrard is England’s best option. He is an attacking midfielder with an uncanny sense of defending. What Gerrard lacks is authority in the dressing room, which is where Terry wins the points for being a captain that not only fights on the pitch but also is a leader behind the scenes.
So who will it be? Steven Gerrard or John Terry?
Update: No Chelsea fans? There’s an overwhelming bias towards Steven Gerrard in the poll results so far.
Also, remember that you can add your comments to the captaincy debate in the comments section below.
Update 2: Voting is now closed. Here are the results:
Steven Gerrard (93.8%)
John Terry (6.2%)
Next captain? Will if you are to go with what the pundits are saying, it will be Terry.
[tags]England, John Terry, Steven Gerrard[/tags]
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Discussion - 72 Responses
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Definitely Gerrard as captain
Has to be Stevie G la, no question. The impact he has on his team-mates in Liverpool is so much greater than Terry’s so called influence in the dressing roon.
SG for sure.
He can lead England to come back in games if needed. This is what he always do in Liverpool.
Terry? I doubt if he has this ability…Chelsea seldom fall behind in big game (and come back in the end)…
Terry….overated as an international. Gerrard all the way, a true professional and natural sucsessor to Beckham
Gerrard all the way. What he does for his club, he showed it for his country as well. If not for proper formation, Gerrard would have been much better. As it is, he was among the outstanding ones in the England squad although he played a more defensive midfield role most of the time. Terry is overated.
There is no doubt that both gerrard and Terry fit the bill. However, I would choose Gerrard simply because he’s an attacking midfielder and Terry’s a defence. We need somebody who knows how to push his team forward. Terry’s now used to relying on a multi-millionaire team (players have to prove themselves more) whereas Gerrard’s team is not. 100% Gerrard for the post
definitely gerrard, because he have he ability to change the result of the game, like the one vs Milan, came behind form 0-3, which terry doesn’t possess enough~~
Definitely Stevie G. His performances since being given the armband at Liverpool have been nothing short of sensational. Once he has that extra responsibility he will out perform anyone on the pitch. Just take the Champions League Final, after he scored his goal, the guy was dragging everyone along with him. Absolutely immense. I also rate Terry very much indeed, I just think Stevie G is more inspiring, by a very long way indeed!
Personally, I don’t think having a defender as a captain is a great idea.
Yeah, because Tony Adams, Bobby Moore, Paolo Maldini etc were all terrible captains.
A defender can see everything and is much better suited to the captain’s role.
Zidane, Vieira, Roy Keane, etc werent that bad either. Great players often make great captains, doesn’t have to do with where they play.
Midfielders - especially box-to-box midfielders like Gerrard - are in tune with defending, the midfield linkup as well as attacking. Comes down to opinion I guess, not that it really matters.
Is Cafu a great captain, or should a midfielder have taken that role in Brazil’s setup? Who knows?
Being a Liverpool fan, I would love to see Gerrard do it but I think that Terry will handle it better on the pitch as the burden could hamper Gerrards performances, and Ive also been a strong believer that the captain should play at centre half as he can see the whole pitch in front of him
Terry for captain….
Im a red so prob biased, i accept that. however, Stevie simply put is inspirational - as with CL and FA cup, he has proved his leadership and amazing drive to succeed, time and time again. Terry is a great defender, certainly one of our better players in an dire worldcup. I do like Terry, i just cant see him grabbing the game and the players by the scruff and motivating people to really crack on and come from 3-0 down to get a win. Lets hope the new Mclaren breaks the off the shackles drops some driftwood and get some young blood and and inject some life into the team. Whoever gets the captaincy - SG or JT - i think they are both damn fine players and very capable - good luck to um both.
there are no Chelski fans on because they haven’t decided who to support next season yet and also we need to translate the vote site to Russian
I’m sure there are plenty of Chelsea fans voting, they just realise that Gerrard is a far better player than Terry!!
Seriously though, just looking at all the elements missing from England’s play and drive, enthusiasm, determination and powerful attacking play are definitely some of those absent (key) components. These are the strongest aspects of Gerrards game. This is what he brings to Liverpool, with no little amount of skill mixed in as well. He does not seem too able or allowed to do this for England and I believe that wearing the captain’s armband would allow him to do so. He would be the senior player and would be able to lead by example doing what he does best. I’m afraid this may also involve having to drop Lampard to the bench, but so be it! Terry for all of his qualities could not bring this to a game. He could motivate vocally, but surely does not need to be captain to do this.
Gerrard is the ideal England captain for me.
International LFC supporter.
Has to be SG as he’s versatile in all positions. He’s far more recognised on the international footballing field with many managers stating they would cherish to have him in their teams (including Brazil).
Terry is an excellent player too.
A leader leads by example and SG has just been impeccable in all the roles handed so far.
Once SG is confirmed as captain you will see how he will transform the national squad.
Beckham was too much of a one-man band during this world cup. He took all free kicks all corners etc which I don’t agree too. There must be other options available all the time.
All LFC supporters will vote for SG.
All Chelsea supporters will vote to Terry.
The majority of non LFC and Chelsea fans will vote for Steven Gerrard.
Has to be Gerrard. A clear world class player - everyone knows him and fears him. The armband might mean that he will be able to take free kicks and corners and roam where he wants to push the team on. Terry is a great defender but he is not as inspirational. Also, after years of Beckham talking and us grimacing in press conferences, Gerrard is articulate and the model pro. No sleaze from SG. Family man, hard man, great man!
Hands down, Stevie G is ready made replacement. JT can be vice-captain.
Chelsea fan here, and although we Chelsea fans adore Terry as CFC captain, I got to admit Gerrard has someting special in him. Both are winners, but Gerrard has the extra ability to push everyone to raise their game to a different level. He is already one of the best midfielders in the world, where other club managers/players have all praised him for his imense talent in midfield. I got to admit, not many teams can go back up 3-0 like in Instanbul, but Gerrard made everyone believe that. Gerrard for me.
Well said Chelsea fan. I respect Terry as a footballer but SG has that something extra, maybe not in individual skill (can’t really compare as they play different roles) but in fire and determination to grab victory from the jaws of defeat.
I think JT can motivate his teammates more that SG can with words and just as much with performance!
am cfc fan,irespect JT but SG has some thing special in him so he fits to captain england as simple as that.
Gerrard is anonymous most times he plays for England. He only looks good playing for Liverpool as they are such an ordinary team. He is also injured a lot more so make Terry captain.
leadership qualities are inbred in stevie g.A defender, no matter how good he is can never be as inspiring as an attacking player [just the nature of an attacking player]
infact gerrard is the kind of player who performs even better under pressure and responsibility[i was about to give an example but i’m sure you already know it].so this is done.
as for vice captain i would have terry or even beckham for that matter!
John terry all thw way. just becuase i am a chalsea fan does not mean i hate gerrard i think he is a great player but jt is right for the captians arm band. and chelsea win win the title again next season
John Terry of course. It has to be him. He is the one who can motivate the team better. I like Gerrard also, but for the armband, I believe Terry is the better one to wear it, as skill is not everything for a captain. And Terry is skillful enough, obviously.
Defo Terry. I am an arsenal fan and prefer liverpool to chelsea but Terry is twice the captain Gerrard will ever be. Also he is in the right position to be captain.
I love to gerrard to be captain. he should definately be the new England leadership . He is an awesome footie player and a great brialliant player. In thailand a lot of children like to be gerrard and every fan team need gerrard move to his team .
How can it not be Terry, There’s no arguements about both players performance in all games they play, both players are consistent in there exceptional ability. As a Chelsea fan its hard to admit that Gerrard was brilliant this world cup (although that save from Terry off the line - wow!!), but its not completely about their performance, its about their ability to motivate and their ability to bring a team together and looking at the way they captain their own clubs proves that Terry is without a doubt the answer.
king gerrard
HARGREAVES or CARLTON PALMER, maybe NICK BARMBY, they got experience!!!! U LOVE IT!!!!!
I want Steven Gerrad to be new England captain because i think hes the best and hes fit to!!CMON STEVIE!!and it will also give him more confidence!!
Definitely SG!!!!No doubt!He’s more influential thn Terry!
nd also SG is more mentally strong!besides SG is Liverpool which guarantees qlty
there both captains 4 there clubs but stevie g is my hero so i say come on stevie g !!!!!!!
I think Steven Gerrard deserves the role as England’s captain because his got charsteritics and plays awesome , i can’t see anyone in the england squad who is equally or better than gerrard at this present moment in time.
Definatly gerrard. He s a real world class player and he s also more experienced in my opinion. I totally agree that Terry is a great defender and he proved himself in this world cup. But gerrard can influence the whole team and thats what we need. Some sprit!!! Go on Gerrard!!!
EL CAPITAN DEBE SER STEVEN GERRARD YA QUE EN EL LIVERPOOL ES TODO UN LIDER Y SABE COMPRENDER LOS PARTIDO EN CUALQUIER RESULTADO
I think at this time englad need Gerrard as captain.Gerrard can influence the whole team.He can be suited at any position.As a captain at clubs level suerly Gerrard is over the Terry.In major club finals he showed his potential and dedicasy to the team.He can win mathes single handedly
terry is a good captain, but cannot grab games by the scruff of the neck and change them. if england fell behind to a team like brazil, who do you think will stand up and be counted, i dont think terry would, gerrard all the way.
gotta be gerrad no dought about it he has done exerlent for liverpool so give him the chance to do it for his contry
Definately steven gerrard! he’s gonna be a great captain for england national team! Pokoknya gerrard aja kaptennya!
STEVEN GERRARD no1 could be better, when Liverpool needed him (Champions League final, FA Cup final etc.) he provided the lift to lead them on. John Terry a great player and I think McClaren will choose him, but I know that in the terms of what is best for England, Gerrard would be better. C’mon England!
John Terry can influence 750 million€ worth of players to win their own domestic league. He single handidly scored every goal for Chelsea last season…he deliberatly messed up on a number of occasions (miskicks etc) for England, just so the rest of his team mates could have a look in.
…C’mon who are are people trying to kid. SG all he way.
Anyone could wear an arm band and lead Chelsea to win the Prem. My 7 year old lad could it…hell, his gran could do it. His grans dead dad could. His grans dead dads coffin maker with one eye could. The guy who made the fake eye who was at least 120 years his senior could have done it. The well that was fallen down when the eye was dislodged could have done it…….anyone/anything could do Terrys job.
(Got carried away, but you get my point)
Oh well
gotta be JT because although gerrard is in the top two for best midfielders in the world,terry talks to the players which would incourage the players to play although some may dis-agree because of their istanbul final.
even though terry is a better captain,if mclaren chooses him it will be because he is probably with lampard the best midfielder in the world,terry for me surely
I think gerrad should be the next captain because he is also a great cap in liverpool thats why.
steven gerrard should be englands captain because he deserves it and he puts 100 and 10% into every game. He has come a long way to be where he is now and by making him englands captain he can go the furtherst he can ever go because he has achieved everything else but englands captain.
gerrard 4 catpain all the way ! bulb head 4 life
I think that John terry is the best player not just in Chelsea and England but in all over the world, although Steven Gerrard is also a great player but more than John Terry, cause John loves his country and want England to get great places in matches, but Steven is not considering his national team as his own team, for an example he was not as good as John in the world cup matches, he missed a penalty, although he is a great player but England’s Captain must be John Terry. even though I am from Afghanistan but England is my favourite nation team, I really love England from my hearth and specially the nation team and John Terry.
STEVEN GERRARD should be England Captain, no doubt about that. I think if McLaren had taken a vote on that, he would have known the people’s heart. Steven is not only the best player England have at the moment, he’s a midfieler and he has better command of the field and the players, he also has the authority as a person,regardless of his youth, and his presence commands the respect of his teamates and instills fear and awe to his opponents. He has an unparralleled sense of pride when wearing the England shirt, let alone the armband. He knows what “England Expects” of him.
Steven Gerrard has the heart, the talent, and the passion to lead England to win the World Cup in 2010. John Terry is over-rated.
What is wrong with English football? In 2006, we had the best team that we have had in decades, but we lose!
The worst people are always being chosen for positions of power. Sven was a Swedish fool who had no love for England, or for the English team, and David Beckham was and is the disgrace of English football, he has absolutely no footballing talent, he just has a great publicist who uses propaganda to make people think “Wow, I agree with the person on T.V. David is a great guy.” The truth is that he would rather get paid a million pounds to do a godamn Pepsi comercial than have a training session. He’s a goddamn celebrity, not a foorballer! He never had the heart to lead England, he is a p****whipped child who is controlled by that parasite wife of his. She controls everything he does, from his hair, to the club he plays for, to the American celebrities he has to be affiliated with.
Then Mclaren became the new England manager and we can’t even beat Isreal!!!! And he chooses Terry as the captain and gives a hollow speach reciting lines like, “He will be a great leader,” “One of the best captain’s England has ever had.” It’s a joke, it’s just propaganda! He uses buzz words and phrases that are hollow, and people blindly agree and don’t think “Actually he’s lying” Terry doesn’t have the passion to lead England, but he’s more marketable so they chose him. Rather than a talent, they chose a face.
The wrong choice was made when Mclaren made Terry the Captain, we won’t get far in Euro 2008 and we definitely won’t get far in the world cup cup 2010, unless Mclaren is fired as manager and is replaced by an intellegent manager who gives the position of captancy to the most talented footballer in England - Steven Gerrard.
Take this into account: If England were 1-0 down, and if Terry did his job by stopping a striker from scoring, so what? We’re still losing. Steven Gerrard is an attacker, if he did his job and scored, then the team would be lifted, Only a goal scorer can win matches, not defenders, ok Terry scores sometimes but Gerrard drops back and defends sometimes as well. He scores better goals than Terry could ever dream of scoring.
Gerrard brings an unparalleled charisma onto the pitch. 2005 Champions League final, need I say more?
Terry shouldn’t even be the vice captain, that position should be given to Michael Owen.
I would like to see an even bigger attack on Mclaren,he isn’t good enough to manage the England team and should accept that. The biggest power in the world is people power, no matter how strong an establishment is, if enough people protes, they can change things. Lets get rid of the mistake of Mclaren as England Manager and the mistake of Terry as Captan.
If Gerrard was made the England Captain, England would win the 2010 World Cup.
Richard Schofield - Liverpool, England, Britain
steven gerrard would make a better captain then terry cause look what he has done for liverpool
it’s have to be Steven Gerrard and I think that he could be a very good captain for England.
definitly terry cos he is da best and i support chealsee
huhu………
of course steven gerrard.
he the most perfect captain and players….
who dont know him very lost
Gerrard has got more passion, more determination and is an alround player. He is the only English player with the ability to capture the exitement and imagination of the fans! It could even get the fans behind the team for a change!
I support Gerred
Why not Terry?? He is a brick of a defender, one of the only English players who shows up in the World Cup, and unlike Stevie G, doesn’t go MIA in game situations as of late.
I love defenders as captains. They set the tone for the team and execute that by putting their foot down and stepping up defensive intensity. It’s the easiest way to cahnge momentum by playing hardline defense, and having your captain back there makes it all the more stronger by having him set the tone and pace how the team will act.
Oh yeah, to add on to that, for all you Liverpool supporters and those claiming to say Steven Gerrard is the best…
Stop with the f*cking lovefest already! Yeah, Gerrard is a great player, but you all act like he is God in a Kop uniform.
For example, Charmaine saying “steven gerrard would make a better captain then Terry cause look what he has done for liverpool.”
What the f*ck does that even mean? How does that help this covnersation at all? What exactly has he done for Liverpool? Ok, they won the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006. What has he done lately? Oh yeah, 11 goals in 49 games in 2007. How is Steven Gerrard at all better fit to lead England than John Terry? Don’t make f*cking assanine statements like that and expect us to take you seriously. If you are going to take the time to write, at least take the time to write a coherent argument that isn’t filled entirely with your drool about wanting to become Gerrard’s baby mama.
Or this wonderful contribution from Richard Schofield: “If England were 1-0 down, and if Terry did his job by stopping a striker from scoring, so what? We’re still losing. Steven Gerrard is an attacker, if he did his job and scored, then the team would be lifted, Only a goal scorer can win matches, not defenders, ok Terry scores sometimes but Gerrard drops back and defends sometimes as well. He scores better goals than Terry could ever dream of scoring.”
Wow. So Gerrard is a better fit to lead a team because he scores more often and scores “better goals” (Whatever the f*ck that means), therby lifting team spirit.
Here’s one for you Rich: How often do you think England is losing by one goal? I would say less than half the time. So what is Steven Gerrard’s role then to lift team spirit? Singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone?” What does John Terry do? Put his head on free kick balls and putting them into the back of the net to put the score at Three Lions 1, Brazil 0. Guess you forgot about that team spirit exercise, huh?
Do you really think that who scores when England is scoring really f*cking matters? (No) Are the players going to be less pumped up if their defender scores the equalizer rather than their captain Gerrard? (No) Are you a complete f*cktard who was dropped on your head as a child? (Yes)
Even though I am in no way attempting to push my Chelsea support onto John Terry’s role as Three Lions captain, wake the f*ck up people and stop drooling over Gerrard. Look at some of the credentials for Terry.
1. 2004-2005 Prem season: lead Chelsea defense, as team captain, in allowing only 15 GOALS ALL SEASON LONG!
2. 2005-2006 Prem season: Chelsea leads the league in allowing only 22 goals.
3. 2006-2007 Prem season: Chelsea again leads the league, conceding only 24 goals.
Notice a trend there with Terry as their defensive anchor? If you don’t, you’re a complete retard.
Terry and Gerard make a great duo, but Terry is clearly the captain for the moment and is deservedly so based on two Prem titles, the defensive success of the Blues with him inthe lineup, the failures of the back line without him, and his reputation for being pretty much the only guy to show up for England in 2006. His teammmates love him, they respect him, they listen to, and that is what a captain does. Gerrard may eventually succeed him, but don’t base it on this bulls*it that was written ehre about how GErrard’s goals are more important (they are all worth one, no matter who scores, they are invaluable) and how Gerrard has done everything for Liverpool (no league titles, decent international competition play).
JT, he’s a warrior. Again…both these guys are awesome….so please dont say gerrard sux or JT sux…they are both awesome players….but i’d give it to JT.
wow, no matter what you guys say or fight about….JT is going to be the captain for a very long time. So…why even talk about this?
I think Terry is an excellent captain. He played a vital part in leading Chelsea to that legendary victory against Barcelona in the CL semi-final because of his phenomenal fighting spirit and undying hope and belief. He is the key part to England’s defence and, in my opinion is more reliable than Ferdinand. In midfield, Becks, Lampard (although not in good form recently) and others all play important roles. Terry is generally respected throughout the country and acknowledged as one of the best centre-backs in the world. Leading Chelsea to an outstanding 6 trophies in three seasons, whereas Liverpool have only really put up a fight in the CL
deffinetely Stevie G (100% shaw)!!!!!
TERRY ALL THE WAY!!!
I think Steven Gerrard will be better captain than Terry,because he(gerrard)has playmaking skill and this is very good thing to be a fantastic captain.
STEVEN GERRARD.
Teryy 100% Of The Way!Gerrards All Up Himself & Everythingg & He Thinks He All Good,He Needs To Shown Who’s Better! xx
Steven Gerrard all the way!!
Helloo i think that we shud all eat of plastic spoons :]
Definitely Stevie G! He has the ability to perform in any position on the field and to give the team a push in the right direction. He is a true leader.
To all those who say John Terry is a better player than Steven Gerrard please justify this statement?
In my oponion Gerrad is better than Terry. HE deserves more than Terry to be a captain.
JOHN TERRY ALL THE WAY! the one n only man with all the qualities to be england captain.. hez a WARRIOR!