Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard will captain England in Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland, the team's first match under new Italian coach Fabio Capello.

Gerrard leads the side at Wembley in the absence of injured defender John Terry who was the regular captain under former manager Steve McClaren.

Capello told a news conference on Tuesday: "I will not name a permanent captain until we start the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra in September. "But Steven Gerrard will be captain against Switzerland. He is the captain of Liverpool and has authority. He is important because he can transmit things and pass on things and inspire players on the pitch."

The honour comes as Gerrard was named as the England fans' Player of the Year for 2007.

Gerrard won the award from 42 candidates, polling 22 per cent of the votes. Manchester City defender Micah Richards finished second in the poll.

Gerrard also captained his country at the start of last year against Spain and skippered the side five times in the 11 matches he played for England last year.

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