Share

Southgate wants time to solve Eng captaincy puzzle

Cape Town - Gareth Southgate needs more time to solve England's captaincy problem, the manager has said ahead of the team's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday.

Southgate will name his fourth captain in six games this weekend with defender Gary Cahill, who led the team in the 1-0 defeat to Germany on Wednesday, unavailable due to suspension.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, both absent from the English squad, have previously captained the side under Southgate.

"I guess I am giving myself time to think through what the best scenario (for captaincy) is, really," Southgate told the British media.

"We did that with Gary (Cahill in Germany) - I know he's not playing on Sunday and it is opportunity to share that responsibility.

"I think people have stepped up in their performance, so there were people that weren't wearing the armband that played with the ball as leaders."

The former Middlesbrough boss said goalkeeper Joe Hart could be next in line for the captaincy role but he preferred developing more leaders in the squad.

"It's something I want to think through, but it is not as important to me as making sure there is more development and that more are given responsibility."

England are top of Europe's World Cup qualifying group F having won three of their four games, and are two points clear of second-placed Slovenia.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE