All That Glisters

There’s very little doubt that, all other things being equal, the best position from which to captain a team is centre back.

To begin with, you get a very good view. The game is nearly always in front of you and you’re close enough to the rest of the side to be heard and to exert a positive influence. And centre backs – the best of them anyway – tend to be solid, strong, brave, reliable types. Ideal leaders in fact.

So if you happen to be the new England manager and you’re looking for a successor to the recently ‘retired’ David Beckham, who better than John Terry? He’s full of pride and passion and by common consent he’s made a wonderful job of leading cash-rich Chelsea to two Premiership titles and various other items of silverware.

Job done. Sorted. All that remains is to hand the consolation prize to Steven Gerrard, who as the other front runner for the England armband will make an ideal vice-captain.

Except for one small thing. There were one or two moments in the World Cup finals in Germany when John Terry looked decidedly shaky. Something you’d prefer not to see in your centre backs, and can’t really afford in a captain.

Was it merely a ‘one or two ‘off’? Or will John Terry, who is without doubt a fine leader, discover in the harsh world of experience that the hardest thing about being England captain is proving that you’re always good enough to get in the team?

Because if there’s a problem in that direction, there is someone in the wings who has proved his inspirational leadership ability as a club captain in the toughest arena possible, the Champions League final. Someone whose place in the team is unlikely to be a matter of serious doubt.

Someone who many people feel should have been given the coveted armband in the first place. Because he would have made a better job of it. Steven Gerrard.

Time will tell.