Manchester United midfielder David Beckham will captain England in the World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Albania, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson announced today.
Asked if Beckham would retain the captaincy, Eriksson told a press conference: "Yes, there is no reason to change this."
Beckham was captain in the 3-0 friendly match win over Spain last month. England play Finland at Anfield on Saturday and Albania in Tirana on March 28th.
Liverpool midfielder Steve Gerrard, who has missed all of England's five internationals this season through injury, is expected to be fit for the Finland match.
Eriksson said Gerrard had been receiving special treatment on his injured groin.
"I expect him to be fit for Saturday," he said.
Eriksson said Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman was suffering from a back injury.
"I have been talking to (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger, the physio and David and he has a back problem," he said.
"We decided to pick him anyway but I can't tell now if he will be fit. I'm hoping he will be right for the game."