The Anfield skipper was handed the armband for his country in the friendly win over Switzerland last month, Fabio Capello's first game at the helm.

Capello insists he will not name a permanent captain until the World Cup qualification campaign begins in September, but losing the role after just one game would be a major blow to Gerrard's hopes.

Benitez told the Liverpool Daily Post: "Steven has captained England before and he has shown he can do the job well so I am surprised that there is talk that he might not be captain in England's next game.

"It is not up to me to make the decision and Capello is lucky because he has some very good candidates for captain but if he was to ask me I would tell him that Steven is the right man.

"Terry and Barry are both good players and good captains for their clubs so they are good options for England.

"But I see Steven every day, in matches and in training, so I know what he brings to Liverpool and that is why I think he would be the right man."