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ENGLAND v SPAIN - GERRARD RELISHING LEADING ENGLAND
Steven Gerrard says "it will mean an awful lot" to captain England in Wednesday's friendly against Spain.
The Liverpool skipper will lead the side out at Old Trafford in the absence of John Terry, who will not start the match after only recently recovering from injury.
"It will mean an awful lot to me," Gerrard said in a press conference.
"To walk out at the front and lead the boys out into battle will be extra-special."
Vice-captain Gerrard, who last skippered England three years ago, will turn to Terry for help and advice ahead of the game.
Gerrard said: "He's experienced it a lot more times than me. It's great to have John about.
"I'm sure he'll be in the dressing-room come Wednesday night, helping the boys, still being the great captain he is."
Gerrard insisted there will be no ill-feeling towards Joey Barton, who earned a maiden call-up to the squad.
The Manchester City midfielder was critical of England players who released autobiographies in the wake of last summer's dismal World Cup campaign.
Gerrard joked: "I'm going to give him a knock after the press conference with a signed book and he can read that over the next couple of days.
"There's no hard feelings between myself and Joey. We're from a similar area.
"The interview he's done has gone over my head."
Gerrard added: "There are no hard feelings, we'll give him the welcome he deserves. His form has been fantastic of late.
"It will be interesting to see his expression when I first see him this morning!
"It's great that there are rivals at club level. It shows how strong our league is when players battle every Saturday against each other but there's got to be respect there when we join up for our country."
Gerrard will pit himself against club-mates Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to Wednesday - the banter started a long time ago. It's a big game for me because I've got to train with them on Thursday.
"It will be really strange to play against Xabi in a competitive match. He's a terrific player, a great guy and it's exciting to go into battle head-to-head.
"We are really close, we're playing quite well together but it will be different on Wednesday.
"We're both looking forward to it and I don't think whoever loses will be looking forward to going into work on Wednesday.
"This game is perfect preparation, we've got some really big qualifiers next month and there is a big challenge ahead now to top this group.
"A tough friendly is ideal preparation."
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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