England's captaincy contenders – in pictures

Steven Gerrard The obvious choice in terms of experience. Has captained England before and has been an inspirational leader at Liverpool for years. But at 31, and after a year in which he has been plagued by injuries, his fitness and form would make him a risky choice Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters

Wayne Rooney Has the strength of character required of a captain, but his propensity to combust at critical moments make him a liability. The red card he received against Montenegro ruling him out of the first two Euro 2012 matches being an obvious example. A risky choice but at 26 – and as England’s most talented player – he could be a worth the risk as a long-term choice Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Rio Ferdinand No longer guaranteed a starting place at Manchester United when all of their defenders are fit. Has been caught out for pace at times this season and is not even the captain in Nemanja Vidic’s absence. At 33, he has struggled to stay fit for sustained periods due to constant back problems and is no longer a first-choice pick for England Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters

Joe Hart A keeper in great form who is now a hugely influential figure in the Manchester City squad at only 24. He has made the England No1 jersey his. A cool head on young shoulders, by making him captain now, England could solve the problem for the long term Photograph: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images

Ashley Cole Along with Hart, the left-back is a guaranteed starter if fit. At 31, he has bags of experience and is as consistent as they come. But is he a leader? He’s never been a captain before and England may want to steer clear of a player who has generated unsavoury headlines for his off-the-field activities Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Frank Lampard The 33-year-old has not always been first-choice for Chelsea this season but has still scored vital goals and been influential in patches. He has captained Chelsea and England before but his growing injury problems and struggle to replicate club form at international level means he may not start at Euro 2012 – and is likely to retire after it Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Gareth Barry Holding players often make good captains. He has become a key player for Manchester City and Fabio Capello will likely trust him as England’s midfield anchor at the Euros. He has experience of captaining Aston Villa and at 30 years old he is a wise and steady influence Photograph: Scott Heavey/The FA via Getty Images

Scott Parker A player whose leadership qualities, level headedness and ability to find the best form of his career at the advanced age of 31, make him an outside candidate. He has been outstanding for Tottenham and is a player who could do the rarest of things and make England seem almost likeable Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images