Five England captain candidates as Allardyce throws Rooney future in doubt
Published:
Robbie Purves | July 26, 2016
As new England boss Sam Allardyce sat down to answer press questions, he refused to be drawn into speculation surrounding Wayne Rooney’s role as captain.
Coral have Rooney odds-on favourite to remain the Three Lions’ captain at 1/5 – but Allardyce commented: “It’s far too early [to say whether Rooney will be captain] or make any more predictions of that kind.”
So, with that in mind, who could be in line for a promotion to national captain? Here, Coral experts cast their careful eye over some candidates…
Gary Cahill
The Chelsea centre back, part of the England squad since 2010, has racked up 47 caps since his debut. Cahill is known for his technical ability, powerful heading and good tackling. The former Bolton man also has an impressive goalscoring record from defence.
However, the question is, can he lead his country? In 2014, he was named the Three Lions’ deputy to Rooney, after the international retirements of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. He even took the armband in 2015 in a 2–0 home win over Estonia in Euro 2016 qualifying. As vice-captain, Cahill has a great chance at 7/1.
Joe Hart
Despite having a torrid time in France at Euro 2016, Hart is still England’s number one (at least for the time being) and showed the sort of passion and desire many players didn’t.
Hart has been captain previously for a single game in 2015, but the concern is the form he displayed in France. The Man City stopper made two howlers at the tournament and was a massive part of England’s embarrassing defeat to Iceland. He could realistically lose his place for both club and country but is 12/1 to claim the national captain’s armband.
Chris Smalling
Smalling, over the last few years, has developed into one of the best defenders in the league, and is undoubtedly first choice centre back for the Three Lions.
With Jose Mourinho at the helm, Smalling’s development will no doubt take a step forward and grow into the mature, accomplished player he promised to be. Since Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand left Manchester United, the former Fulham man has stepped up, begun to organise and be vocal in the heart of defence.
The United man would be a great captain for the Three Lions, represents the future of the country, and is 14/1 to be next permanent England captain.
Eric Dier
Dier became a favourite under Roy Hodgson and played every game at the Euros. His shielding of the back four impressed in qualifying and the friendlies leading into the tournament, and carried on his top form by rocketing in a free-kick against Russia.
Like Smalling, Dier is the future of England and will be a mainstay for both club and country for years to come. The solid defensive midfielder is 25/1 to be next Three Lions captain, and will surely be a player Allardyce favours.
Harry Kane
Kane finished the Premier League season as top scorer and experienced yet another superb season a White Hart Lane. Since bursting onto the scene two years ago, Kane has netted 52 times and doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon.
The Tottenham marksman will lead the Three Lions’ frontline for the foreseeable future and is 33/1 to become next permanent England captain. If this seems like a long shot, Coral offers odds on Big Sam favourites – Kevin Nolan is 200/1, Andy Carroll at 100/1 and Lee Cattermole 100/1.
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