Capello names Gerrard as captain

LONDON, England -- England manager Fabio Capello has appointed Steven Gerrard as captain for the friendly international against Switzerland at Wembley on Wednesday.

But the Italian, who will be in charge for the first time, has stressed that he will not announce a permanent captain until the World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

Capello has given himself more time to make a final decision with the previous skipper, John Terry, out of action because of injury. Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could also be a candidate.

Capello said: "Gerrard is important because he can pass on things, transmit things and inspire the players."

He told a news conference on Tuesday that he told his players of the decision before announcing it to the media and he will also inform the players of his team selection for the game at the hotel, before they leave for the match on Wednesday.

He deflected questions about the omission of David Beckham from the squad, by saying: "The most important thing is to talk about the players who will play tomorrow not the ones who will not play."

Reports suggested that Capello had banned players from using mobile telephones, addressed them by their last names and was also keen to discourage the presence of wives and girlfriends.

He confirmed that he had laid down some rules to his squad, which he did not expect to be broken.

He said: "We need to create a way of working, and that's why I felt the need to set some rules.

"For example, we will all eat together, leave the table together - it is all about respecting each other. And being punctual is key.

"We all have a role to play - they are the players and I am the manager." E-mail to a friend