With usual captain Terry out of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier, head coach Steve McClaren has asked Gerrard to take the armband.

Gerrard is hopeful Terry will be fit enough to return against Russia on Wednesday, but is happy to be captain in his absence.

"I think JT's got a bit of a knee problem. Hopefully he'll be able to play on Wednesday," he said live on Sky Sports News.

"The manager has told me I'm skipper. To be captain at the new Wembley will be a special day for myself."