Soccer: Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has been named England captain for tonight's friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley, capping a memorable 12 months for the 2011 England fans' player of the year.
Interim manager Stuart Pearce was expected to give the armband, which was taken off John Terry amid allegations of racist abuse towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, to Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, but has instead opted for the former West Ham, Chelsea and Charlton midfielder.
Parker, who has been in fine form for both club and country, also beat off competitions from the Manchester City pair of Joe Hart and Gareth Barry.
The 31-year-old was in sparkling form for West Ham last season's, despite their relegation, and moved to White Hart Lane in the summer. He has since proved to be an integral member of Harry Redknapp's squad with his impressive displays in the centre of midfield.
Redknapp is widely expected to be named as Fabio Capello's long-term successor and many might suspect he has had some say on the appointment of Parker, who must now be considered the frontrunner to lead England at the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine this summer, despite having won just 10 caps since his debut in 2003.
Pearce hinted that Parker was in the frame earlier in the week, when he admitted that the man voted his country's Player of the Year by the fans had been 'outstanding' for England over the past 12 months.
Arsenal's Robin van Persie looks set to play for Holland, despite suffering an injury scare last night. The striker failed to complete the final part of the Oranje's hour-long training session after feeling a tightness in his groin.
The 28-year-old sat out a training match during the session at Wembley, but the problem is thought to be minor and it is understood the Dutch are confident he will be fit to lead the line for the visitors in tonight's friendly.
