Gerrard relishing leading England

Steven Gerrard claims "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 televised on Sky Sports News. "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."