Gerrard's captaincy delight | England Football Team News, Fixtures, Results | S

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Midfielder says Hodgson's decision has boosted his confidence

Last Updated: May 26, 2012 10:34am

Steven Gerrard: Thrilled to be England?s official captain under Roy Hodgson

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Steven Gerrard says it is clear that Fabio Capello did not have total belief in him as a captain, and is relishing the chance to lead his country out in an official capacity.

Gerrard has skippered the Three Lions in the past but admits it has always felt like he has been standing in for somebody else on a temporary basis.

The Liverpool midfielder believes that shows what Capello thought about his leadership qualities, and he is delighted that new manager Roy Hodgson has handed him the armband.

Hodgson named Gerrard as his captain when he was appointed as Capello's permanent successor and the 31-year-old insists he will feel honoured when England walk out to face Norway in Oslo on Saturday night.

"Capello always had belief in me as a player but it was clear he didn't have total belief for me to be official captain," said Gerrard.

"This manager has come in and done that - it's very nice and good for my confidence and belief.

"I'll do this for as long as the manager wants me to.

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"Capello always had belief in me as a player but it was clear he didn't have total belief for me to be official captain."
Steven Gerrard Quotes of the week

"It feels like the first time I've been official captain. All the other times, I've known the armband was going to go back, either after the tournament or individual games.

"You've got to relish it. It's fantastic. It's something I've always dreamed of. I've been in this set-up for a long time, so I'm big enough to handle this responsibility."

Hodgson says he has no doubts about Gerrard's captaincy credentials after seeing him thrive on the responsibility at Liverpool.

"Working with him for seven months and getting to know his qualities aided me in my decision," said the England manager.

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