Steven Gerrard should be next England captain - Wayne Rooney

Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney says Steven Gerrard should be the next England captain.

The Manchester United striker, who admits he would like the job himself, used his Twitter account to back Gerrard's claims to replace John Terry.

"I would love to be England captain," he tweeted. "But that's up to [the] new manager. Gerrard is perfect choice."

The Football Association stripped Terry of the armband while he awaits trial for alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand - a charge he denies.

The captaincy issue has taken a back seat for England following the resignation of Fabio Capello on Wednesday.

On Italian television, the Italian had criticised the FA's decision to take the armband from Terry before he stands trial.

That led to a meeting with top FA officials, which ended with Capello tendering his resignation.

Liverpool skipper Gerrard is one of the favourites to replace Terry, having had previous experience of the job under Capello.

One of his main rivals for the role, Rio Ferdinand - the brother of QPR defender Anton - has said he does not wish to be considered for the post.