Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has emphatically denied Sol Campbell’s claim that he would have been captain of the national team “for more than 10 years” had he been white.

Campbell, who played 73 times for his country, claims in a new authorised biography that the FA and the majority of fans do not want a black England skipper.

The 39-year-old said: “I believe if I was white, I would have been England captain for more than 10 years... it’s as simple as that.”

On the appointment of Michael Owen, who wore the armband on eight occasions, ahead of him, Campbell added: “I think the FA didn’t want me to have a voice. Owen was a fantastic forward but nowhere near being a captain. It was embarrassing.”

The 39-year-old led his country three times in friendly matches, and Eriksson – who selected Campbell 32 times during his five-year reign – insisted that he had come under no pressure from the FA not to give the defender the armband on a more permanent basis.

“Not a chance – during my years, not a chance,” the Swede said.

“As you know, from my first to my last game, I had David Beckham (as captain) and there were never, ever any discussions at all in the team or in the FA about the captain.”

Former England striker Ian Wright also disputed his ex-international team-mate’s accusations, pointing out there were more suitable candidates around for the captaincy at the time.

“I think he’s got the credentials to be captain, but to be captain for 10 years? I’m not sure when you see some of the players that were around then,” said Wright.

“Sol was more than good enough to be a captain but I personally believe there were better candidates at the time.”