Steven Gerrard believes that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will most probably win 100 international caps and become his successor as England captain. The two players will play together in midfield for Wednesday's friendly with Scotland at Wembley. Wilshere, aged 21, has just seven caps for England but that is largely due to an injury that kept him away from the pitch for a whole year.
"I've got no doubt he can," said Gerrard, when asked if Wilshere could become the next captain. "Jack is so good I am sure when he gets to my age he will be in my position with the armband on talking about another 100-cap player. It's his quality, his example in training every day. He wants to learn, he loves England. He ticks a lot of boxes when it comes down to other players following his lead. I've been in a similar position, I missed a World Cup and many caps. I'm really paranoid about putting too much pressure on any player but he is that good there is nothing for him to worry about."
Wilshere replied by saying that he dreams about leading out England in the future. "It's every kid's dream to captain your country. I grew up watching David Beckham. He was my role model. Playing for England is the pinnacle. Missing matches has not been a good experience."
Gerrard, aged 33, is set to win his 103rd cap against Scotland. "I've said many times we need to share the responsibility out," Gerrard added. "As a nation we want to pin all the pressure on one person like we did with Paul Gascoigne and we have done with Wayne Rooney lately. It's not dangerous, it's just not fair for one person to carry the nation's pressure. Eleven players go out there and you go to a tournament with 23 or 24."
Steven Gerrard is 21/10 to score tonight against Scotland at Bet365 while Jack Wilshere is 9/2 to get on the score sheet at Wembley.
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