Chelsea skipper John Terry has been named as the England captain by new Three Lions head coach Steve McClaren, with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard being named as the new vice-captain.

The Chelsea centre-back will succeed Beckham as skipper after the Real Madrid star resigned as captain following England's elimination to Portugal in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Germany in July.

With the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign starting in September McClaren was keen to name the new skipper early on, with his decision seeming to be a choice between either Terry or Gerrard, who have both been exemplary in their roles for their clubs.

Veteran Manchester United and England right-back Gary Neville was also touted for the prestigious role, but with McClaren looking toward the future, with both EURO 2008 and the next World Cup Finals his targets, 31-year-old Neville might be of too advanced an age to be able to fulfil the captaincy.

25-year-old Terry, who is generally recognised as one of the best defenders in the football world, and has skippered Chelsea to two successive Premiership titles, will take over for the EURO 2008 qualifiers starting on September 2 against Andorra, with an away qualifier against FYR Macedonia on September 6.

Terry was overjoyed about his appointment as the new England captain, saying to the FA's official website: “It is the ultimate honour to be the captain of your country and I am very proud to be given this great opportunity.”

“It is an incredible challenge and one I am looking forward to very much.”

McClaren has also admitted it was a tough decision between Terry and Gerrard, saying: “Choosing a captain is one of the most important decisions a coach has to make.”

“I’m certain I’ve got the right man in John Terry.” Continued the former Middlesbrough manager, “I’m convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had.

“John has all the attributes an international captain needs: leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best.

“He’s been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his best in adversity.

“Over the five years I’ve been involved with the England coaching set-up I’ve seen first hand the respect that John has among his fellow players.

“There are a number of strong leaders in the squad and he will not lack support on and off the pitch.

“Steven Gerrard was a strong candidate for the captaincy and he will be my vice-captain. He is an outstanding player and another superb club skipper who also leads by example.

“I told Steven when I spoke to him today that I’m sure he will also get the chance to lead his country while I’m head coach.”

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