Leading by example

Sven Goran Eriksson has put his faith in David Beckham as captain for the friendly with Spain on Wednesday.

But the debate still rages on as to who should wear the armband long-term with England under new management.

So what makes a good England captain? BBC Sport Online's Stuart Roach talked to three past skippers to ask their advice.

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Jimmy Armfield handed over to Bobby Moore

The 60s captain: Jimmy Armfield
England caps: 43 (1959-1966)
England captain: 12

Jimmy Armfield was once rated the finest right back in the world and took over the captain's armband from Johnny Haynes.

He captained his country a dozen times before passing duties on to Bobby Moore, who led England to a World Cup triumph which came just too late for Armfield.

"Experience is crucial and all of the players have got to have full confidence in you.

"You must have respect if you are to be captain.

"The captain can be a leader on the field but, these days, it is the the coaches who make all the changes.

"Players used to talk more amongst themselves but these days all the tactics and changes are done for them."

Choice for captain: Uncertain.

"It's hard for me to make a choice as I don't know the players' characters.

"I certainly would not suggest taking it away from Beckham.

"I don't believe a goalkeeper should be captain and there is an argument to say that a defender is the best choice as he gets to look at everything in front of him."

England's greatest captain: Billy Wright.

"He was a good example to all the other players around him."

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Emlyn Hughes was always happy to lead his country

The 70s captain: Emlyn Hughes
England caps: 62 (1970-1980)
England captain: 23

Liverpool's Crazy Horse was an inspired leader of his club and country throughout the seventies.

For his club, he won two European Cups, one UEFA Cup, two League Championships and one FA Cup and he had an infectious enthusiasm in his captain's roles.

"Different captains have different qualities. Bobby Moore was the best of all time and he would simply lead by example.

"He would walk over and have a quiet word with you, just tell you to get tighter or whatever.

"Then you had someone like myself who never stopped screaming.

"But Bobby was the best and, with that in mind, perhaps the quiet ones are the best.

"Captaining your country is the greatest honour you can ever be given.

"Even if you only do it once, you have done something that every man in the country, whether a footballer or dustbin man, wants to do."

Choice for captain: Uncertain.

"The captain is the most important player on the pitch but I feel it has to be a back player.

"Nine times out of 10, central defenders make the best captains as they can see everything in front of them and organise from the pitch."

England's greatest captain: Bobby Moore.

"Bobby was the best there was. I can say that without fear of contradiction."

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Butcher battles on against Sweden

The 80s captain: Terry Butcher
England caps: 77 (1980-1990)
England captain: 7

A brave and wholehearted defender and a committed leader on the pitch.

The image of a blood-stained Butcher bandaged and leading England against Sweden in a 1989 World Cup qualifier is one which will live long in the memory.

"A captain must have the respect of the players.

"He should be an automatic choice in the team and well-liked by the others in the squad.

"He does not necessarily need to have done it before at club level, but he needs to be someone who, when the going gets tough, will rally the team and kick a few backsides.

"I don't think the captain's role in football is as crucial as in rugby or cricket and, other than tossing up and choosing ends, there is not much you can do.

"But it's a role that is prestigious and carries a lot of honour."

Choice for captain: David Beckham.

"Of the current candidates, Beckham stands out by miles. He has probably been our best player in recent years and is likely to play every game.

"I would hate to see people picked for the team just because they are captain, so it should be a regular."

England's greatest captain: Bobby Moore.

"There is no question. He is the best we have ever produced and whenever I wore the armband and led the team out I always had his image in my mind.

"Following in the footsteps of legends always makes you very humble."