Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is in line to be handed the England captaincy for the friendly against the United States.

The Daily Mail says Rooney is in line to be England captain for the friendly against the United States in May as Fabio Capello contemplates calling up Dean Ashton to solve his striker crisis.

Capello believes Rooney, 22, is the country's only world-class talent but wants more from the Manchester United striker and is prepared to make him England's third-youngest captain after Bobby Moore and Michael Owen to achieve it.

Capello also wants to beef up England's attack and Ashton, who is finally returning to form with West Ham, will be closely monitored.

Ashton came to Capello's attention with goals against Blackburn and Everton last weekend.