John Terry insists David Beckham should captain his country if he is handed his 100th cap against France on Wednesday night.
Terry is set to link up with the England squad for the first time under Fabio Capello but remains unsure of his own future as captain.
"I certainly don't expect to be captain. I wish to continue as England captain but if not, I will respect Mr Capello's decision," he said.
Asked whether he thought Beckham would win his century of caps, Terry replied: "I certainly hope he will. He's proved his fitness and he was really disappointed not to be involved in the last game. The whole country is hoping he gets his 100th cap, and if he does he should captain the team."
Kewell hopeful of new contract
Australia winger Harry Kewell is refusing to give up on earning a new Liverpool contract despite being omitted from the squad picked up by manager Rafael Benitez for yesterday's match against Manchester United.
He told the Daily Express: "I've got a contract until the end of the season and I'm still fighting for another one. I've got the Aussie spirit of never say die and I'll take that all the way until the end.
"The best thing for me is to get some games so I can be fighting fit for Liverpool. I've just got to play football. I've been through some good times and bad times and I've realised I just want to play football, that's the important thing."
Quaresma linked with Inter
Inter are being linked with a big-money move for Porto forward Ricardo Quaresma. The Serie A leaders have been dominant at home but their poor run in the Champions League is likely to bring reinforcements and the departure of Luis Figo may open the door for the man touted as the former Barcelona star's heir.
While Porto are determined to keep hold of Quaresma, club president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has admitted that he couldn't reject a mega bid.
"If an offer of £32.5m arrived I think it would be inevitable that we would sell him at the end of the season," he declared.
Caniggia sees Atalanta in Europe
Former Argentina star Claudio Caniggia believes coach Luigi Del Neri can lead Atalanta into Europe.
The controversial forward played in Bergamo between 1989 and 1992, scoring 26 goals in 86 appearances.
"I like the way Del Neri makes them play," he said. "I am a real fan and I think they will go into the UEFA Cup."
Maniche seeking Madrid return
Portuguese midfielder Maniche is struggling to settle at Inter and wants to return to Atletico Madrid in the summer.
The former Chelsea player joined Inter on loan from Atletico in January and vowed to fight for a regular first-team place at San Siro.
However, Maniche has rarely been used by Inter coach Roberto Mancini and has just two starts to his name.
Reports in Spain said that Maniche had been expected to look for a permanent switch to Serie A in the summer, but he is now likely to seek a new beginning or try to smooth relations with Atletico boss Javier Aguirre.
Barca on pole for Lucio signing
Barcelona are regarded as favourites to sign Bayern Munich defender Lucio in the summer.
The Spanish giants are understood to be looking for a new central defender and the big Brazilian is thought to be high on their wish list.
"I've been saying for some time that the Spanish, Italian and English championships are the best in the world," Lucio said.
"I am interested in those leagues and I would be absolutely delighted if I was made an offer from these countries."
Fabiano family 'scared' in Seville
Luis Fabiano said he is under pressure from his family to leave Sevilla following an armed robbery at their house in the Spanish city.
"My family are very scared and they don't want to stay in Seville," the Brazil striker was quoted as saying in the Spanish media yesterday. "I'm trying to talk them round but it isn't easy."
Luis Fabiano, who has scored 22 league goals this season, has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent weeks.
Ronaldo will be back, says Zidane
Zinedine Zidane believes former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo will play again despite the doubts of Brazilian legend Pele.
Ronaldo snapped the tendon in his left knee after jumping to head the ball in Milan's Serie A game with Livorno on February 13.
Football legend Pele told journalists that he doesn't expect Ronaldo to make a full recovery but Zidane is of a different opinion.
"Pele says no? I, instead, say yes. He has already demonstrated his ability to overcome difficult things in 2002," Zidane said.
Giampaolo denies Napoli offer
Ex-Cagliari boss Marco Giampaolo has denied reports that he is in the frame to replace Edy Reja at Napoli.
Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis has publicly hit out at Reja on several occasions, prompting suggestions that his days may be numbered.
"I have never spoken to Napoli," the Swiss-born coach said. "The club are doing the right thing with their current boss."