Steven Gerrard was among four players to pull out of the England squad last night, opening up the possibility that Frank Lampard could captain the side away to Denmark.
The Liverpool midfielder aggravated a groin problem during the victory over Chelsea and with first-choice skipper Rio Ferdinand sidelined by a calf problem, Fabio Capello needs a new leader for Wednesday's friendly.
With John Terry ruled out on the grounds he had the job taken off him as a disciplinary measure by coach Capello 12 months ago, the only two plausible options are Lampard and Wayne Rooney.
The striker did the job in a loss against Brazil in Doha last season but Lampard was nominated
vice-captain when Ferdinand pulled out of the World Cup, so it would be a major surprise if he was not handed the role for the first time from the start of his 84th cap.
Gerrard reported for England duty at the squad HQ in Watford last night but was released, along with Peter Crouch and Ben Foster after fitness checks. Tottenham striker Crouch has a back problem while Birmingham goalkeeper Foster has a minor thumb injury. In addition, Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor pulled out of the squad for personal reasons.
The group does include England newcomer Kyle Walker, who is on loan at Villa from Spurs.
The 20-year-old right-back has made rapid progress after spending the first part of the season at Queens Park Rangers.
Villa manager Gerard Houllier said: "Kyle is not the finished article. I think he knows he has got a lot of areas where he can improve. What I like about him is his attitude. He is eager to learn."
