Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is backing Steven Gerrard to succeed David Beckham as England captain ahead of new national boss Steve McClaren’s announcement expected later this week.

McClaren is due to choose between front runners Gerrard and Chelsea defender John Terry when he unveils his first squad since taking over from Sven-Goran Eriksson on Friday.

The England manager spent Monday at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground, meeting Benitez and watching the club’s English players train for this Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa.

“Steve and me talked about the future for England, the team, it was a good conversation between two friends about football,” Benitez said.

“What was interesting was that he had a clear idea, a plan, and he knows what he wants to do. He is clever and knows how to handle this.

“I asked him who would be the next England captain, but was told nothing, he just smiled at me.

“But it would be good for Steven Gerrard even if it is more work for him, we will have to wait for a decision.

“He thrives on responsibility, he is more mature and understands how important it is to be captain and he must be an example for the rest of the players.”

Gerrard is already Liverpool captain and is renowned for pushing his club side to famous victories almost single-handedly, most notably in the 2005 Champions League final and last season’s FA Cup final.

“I think Steven would do it well, it would be very good for him but at the moment he must think about the next game and it’s importance to us,” Benitez said.

“He can certainly do the England job, but in the end it is not our decision and he should just be focused on what Liverpool are doing.

“But for me the most important thing is to see Steve concentrating on our next game because it is so important to us.”

Source:Soccer News