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New England manager Fabio Capello has made Steven Gerrard his captain for Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland, his first match in charge.
The Liverpool midfielder steps into the role until Capello has had more time to decide on a permanent skipper, with previous incumbent John Terry injured.
Capello said: "Gerrard is important because he can pass on things, transmit things and inspire the players.
"But I will not name a permanent captain before the Andorra match."
News conference: England's Steven Gerrard
News conference: England's Rio Ferdinand
Andorra are England's first opponents in their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign on 6 September.
That gives Capello plenty of time to experiment with different captains should he wish.
Capello, speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, revealed that he told his players of the decision before announcing it to the media.
And he added that he plans to inform the players of his team selection for Wednesday at the hotel before they leave for the match.
606: DEBATE
Can Capello inspire England's players?
Regarding his decision not to select David Beckham for the squad, Capello said: "The most important thing is to talk about the players who will play tomorrow not the ones who will not play."
Reports had suggested that Capello had banned players from using their mobiles, called them by their last names and is also keen to discourage the presence of wives and girlfriends.
Capello confirmed that he has laid down some rules to his squad and expects them not 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."
Capello was speaking through an interpreter at the news conference and was asked by one reporter, who asked his question in Italian, to answer in English.
However, Capello brushed it aside, saying: "I will speak English with you when I can be sure that I know all the right words, because you are very good at twisting things and I am very careful.
"I can communicate with the players much more easily - I am happy with my English with them."
The Liverpool midfielder steps into the role until Capello has had more time to decide on a permanent skipper, with previous incumbent John Terry injured.
Capello said: "Gerrard is important because he can pass on things, transmit things and inspire the players.
"But I will not name a permanent captain before the Andorra match."
News conference: England's Steven Gerrard
News conference: England's Rio Ferdinand
Andorra are England's first opponents in their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign on 6 September.
That gives Capello plenty of time to experiment with different captains should he wish.
Capello, speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, revealed that he told his players of the decision before announcing it to the media.
And he added that he plans to inform the players of his team selection for Wednesday at the hotel before they leave for the match.
606: DEBATE
Can Capello inspire England's players?
Regarding his decision not to select David Beckham for the squad, Capello said: "The most important thing is to talk about the players who will play tomorrow not the ones who will not play."
Reports had suggested that Capello had banned players from using their mobiles, called them by their last names and is also keen to discourage the presence of wives and girlfriends.
Capello confirmed that he has laid down some rules to his squad and expects them not 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."
Capello was speaking through an interpreter at the news conference and was asked by one reporter, who asked his question in Italian, to answer in English.
However, Capello brushed it aside, saying: "I will speak English with you when I can be sure that I know all the right words, because you are very good at twisting things and I am very careful.
"I can communicate with the players much more easily - I am happy with my English with them."
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