Hart: Parker has Scott all the right qualities

Posted Friday, March 02, 2012 by The Sun

Hart: Parker has Scott all the right qualities
PARK 'N PRIDE ... Hart says Parker has the rousing qualities needed for England

JOE HART insists England do not need a captain to scream and shout in the dressing-room.

And the Manchester City keeper has thrown his weight behind Scott Parker to lead the team at Euro 2012.

But Dutch destroyer Dirk Kuyt insists the Three Lions will make a huge mistake if they fail to give he armband to Steven Gerrard.

Parker, 31, capped a remarkable 12 months when he led the team out at Wembley on Wednesday night for the 3-2 defeat by Holland.

He was given the nod by acting boss Stuart Pearce in the absence of John Terry, who has been stripped of the England captaincy until allegations of racial abuse are heard after the Euros.

Hart said: "Scott Parker was great as captain.

"He led the team well and did what he usually does, which is enough for me.

"This thing about having someone to gee the team up in the dressing-room room before the game is a myth. The captain doesn't need to go around shouting in people's faces. We're all good players and we know what we're doing.

"Scotty spoke just as he would have done if he was on the bench or if he was the captain.

"He's a leader for our team but we look to other players as well.

"He made some good tackles but that is what he's all about and people are making out as if they are surprised that he played so well.

"He's been fantastic for a long time and he's earned the right to captain the side.

"We were proud to play behind him on Wednesday."

Pearce's choice certainly came as a surprise to many, including Dutch forward Kuyt.

The Liverpool star was convinced that his Anfield team-mate Gerrard would be reinstated as captain after wearing the armband for leading England at the 2010 World Cup.

Striker Kuyt said: "That was a surprise for me because Stevie is the perfect leader for Liverpool and for the England team. On and off the pitch he is such a personality.

"And in my eyes he is the main member of the England team to be their captain."

Tottenham midfielder Parker revealed Gerrard took the decision to appoint him as skipper in his stride.

Parker said: "Stevie was one of the first to come up and congratulate me on the captaincy.

"He told me I deserved it and that he would support me.

"He was pleased for me and I wouldn't expect anything less."

As for his emotions on the night, the former Chelsea and Newcastle star admitted: "Wednesday was a very proud day for me, something I dreamed of as a boy but which I thought would only ever remain a dream.

"I was thinking all day about leading the team out at Wembley but it wasn't until I heard the national anthem that it hit me.

"It was a really emotional occasion for me."