England boss Stuart Pearce waits to name new captain

Stuart Pearce will not name England's new captain until hours before the Netherlands friendly on Wednesday.

It had been thought that caretaker manager Pearce would reveal the skipper at a news conference on Tuesday.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart are among those in the frame.

"The captain will be announced when the team is announced. There's no doubt there's several candidates, but I have made my mind up," said Pearce.

"Captaining England was the proudest moment of my career. If I feel that in my heart I can't take the decision lightly.

"I can only view it as I see it. When you play for your country that is the true pinnacle of anyone's career. That is still the case."

Tottenham's Scott Parker and Hart's Manchester City team-mate James Milner have also been mentioned as possible candidates to lead the country, but Pearce is happy to delay identifying the new owner of the armband.

"When I bear in mind it might be a one-off scenario, the captain has got to be somebody who is in the starting line-up, somebody who's got the respect of the other players in my eyes and someone who is unselfish and puts the group above himself. That's a vital commodity as captain," added Pearce.

John Terry lost the England captaincy because he is due to stand trial in July over racial abuse allegations after an incident with QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

The Chelsea defender, who lost the captaincy once before over issues in his personal life, has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

After the decision on Terry, Fabio Capello resigned as England manager, disagreeing with the Football Association's stance on the matter.

Rio Ferdinand also led England during Capello's reign after Terry lost the captaincy for the first time before the Chelsea defender was reinstated.

Gerrard stood in as captain during World Cup 2010 when England were beaten 4-1 by Germany in the second round.

Pearce reiterated he is available to help England at Euro 2012 and revealed he had received a text message from Capello wishing him luck ahead of the Netherlands game at Wembley.

"I received a text from Fabio on Monday wishing me all the best for the game. I've got a great deal of respect for the man," said the former Manchester City manager.

"My services will be available if the FA want me to go to the Euros and help out."

Asked if he had applied for the full-time vacancy created by Capello's departure, Pearce added: "No.

"I have spoken to my bosses at the organisation and when asked the question I have given an honest answer in the press conferences.

"I am filling the breach while a new manager is found. The preparation is done for the summer, that's where we are at the moment.

"It buys us time to find the right man to fill the void."

Meanwhile, Hart said it would be "amazing" to be named captain of England but suggested there were more experienced candidates for the job.

"I think I can speak for everyone in this room who is English and likes football that to captain your country would be amazing and a great honour," said the 24-year-old.

"But it's a long way off happening for myself, there are some big candidates and big names and a lot of caps to be put on the table. Whatever happens, happens."

Hart made his senior England debut under Capello in a friendly against Trinidad & Tobago on 1 June 2008 at the age of 21.

Asked how the uncertainty over Capello's exit had affected England, he said: "We can't get lost in it. All I concentrate on is keeping the ball out of the net."

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