Who Will Replace Steven Gerrard: Betting on the New England Captain

With Steven Gerrard’s departure from international football the betting for the new England captain kicks off.

Following the disappointing early exit of the Three Lions from the World Cup in Brazil, where they couldn’t even make it out of the group for the first time since 1958, Steven Gerrard decided to retire from international football. The 34-year-old Liverpool man played 114 times for England, and started his international career with a 2-0 win over Ukraine in 2000. His last appearance for the national team was in the 0-0 draw against Costa Rica at the last World Cup.

Steven Gerrard has been quoted in the British gambling news about his tough decision: “I have enjoyed every minute of representing my country. It’s a sad day for me.” The midfielder will be moving on to take what has been described as “high profile” ambassador job with the Football Association.

Gerrard scored 21 goals during his international career, which spanned over six major tournaments. He’s currently third in England’s most-capped players ranks behind Peter Shilton at 125 and David Beckham at 115 games.

Captain’s job

Betting on who will replace Steven Gerrard as England’s captain

• Online sportsbooks in the United Kingdom provide a long list of offers

• Wayne Rooney leads the table, but his starting place is under scrutiny

• Roy Hodgson may opt for a younger player and put Jack Wilshere in the spot

Steven Gerrard’s retirement also means that the Three Lion’s captain post is wide open for the taking. And, naturally, online sportsbooks in the United Kingdom have started offering odds on who’s going to occupy the position in the near future.

Roy Hodgson is pressured by many fans and experts to make lots of changes to England’s team ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. The manager certainly understands the need to shake up the team himself. Those who bet on sports in the United Kingdom know that Hodgson is set to remain in charge of the team until the tournament in Franc is over.

Betting on the new captain

It’s not an easy job for Roy Hodgson choosing who’s going to wear the captain’s armband next. Naturally, filling Gerrard’s shoes won’t be easy either, and the job is regarded more as a burden rather than an honor, although it certainly is one.

England kick off their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign on September 8th with a match against Switzerland, and Roy Hodgson will certainly choose a captain until then, leaving punters under British gambling laws not so much time to bet on the outcome.

Manchester’s United Wayne Rooney looks like the optimal candidate for the job. He managed to break his World Cup goalless spell in Brazil, but that goal against Uruguay wasn’t enough to secure a win and progression to the last 16.

Rooney is 28 and at the peak of his form, he’s certainly key to whatever plans Hodson has for the renewed team England. Unibet favors Wayne Rooney to take the captaincy with 1.35 odds. However, Rooney’s place in the squad itself is under great scrutiny following the Brazil campaign. And provided there’s a big chance Wayne will not be starting all the time, Hodgson may be reluctant to entrust the job to him.

Others in the running

While it’s too early for 2018 or 2022 World Cup odds, online bookies offer a long list of lines for the next England captain besides Wayne Rooney. Next in line is Joe Hart, who was perhaps the best of the Three Lions at the World cup. The goalkeeper is valued with a line of 3.95 to take the captain’s armband at Unibet.

Gary Cahill is also right there with 4.50 odds to become the next captain. Backing these players is perhaps the most rewarding wager at this points, given their place is pretty secure in Hodgson’s starting eleven.

Everton’s captain, Phil Jagielka is also in the running at 34.00 odds, he’s chances are good despite the long odds considering he’s had leadership experience. Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere may have not played all games in Brazil, but he could be the young skipper the renewed England team needs. The Gunner is priced at 51.00 to take the captaincy. Wilshere is most likely to stay with the team for years to come, making this choice a better one in the long run.

Can Steven Gerrard return to the Three Lions?

Interestingly enough, it’s not out of the question. The bookies believe it will only take a phone call from Roy Hodgson to convince Liverpool midfielder to come back for a game or two. The odds on this happening are equal to 9.00 at this point, which is a nice offer for any true believer.