England coach Roy Hodgson says Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard will remain his captain.

Hodgson was impressed with stand-in skipper Wayne Rooney against San Marino but hopes Gerrard, who is back from suspension, is available for the foreseeable future to lead his country.

The England head coach said: "Wayne had captained the team before. He is a senior player despite being younger than the other senior players, with 77 caps, 31 goals.

"It was a fairly obvious choice in Steven's absence and, if he is absent again, Wayne could captain the team again.

"Frank Lampard captained the team in Italy and could also do it if Steven is absent.

"But first of all I'm hoping Steven won't be absent that often."