“I think he’s developed as a player and a man,” said interim manager Pearce, “sometimes it takes time to get your feet under the table. I think that has happened with Scotty. He deserved player of the year and is a good member of the group.” His club manager expresses similar sentiments: “he’s just a fantastic boy, a great professional: as I’ve said a million times you couldn’t get a better boy.”
In fact, he’s captained Tottenham several times this season and his late-blooming international career isn’t just a sign of the times, with more players playing late into their thirties, but it is an inspiration to fellow professionals. If Pearce is genuine about wanting a captain mutually accepted and authoritative, whilst inspirational, then Parker is the natural choice. Look no further than Leon Britton, who even as a fellow professional is empowered by Parker, for your reason to pick the Tottenham midfield enforcer: “A couple years ago Scott probably wasn’t being looked at as an England player, but now he’s a regular starter. You look at him and see how quickly things can turn around.”
Whilst Steven Gerrard may appeal to many as the next captain, having done the role reasonable justice in the World Cup 2010, and age proving no argument in favour of Parker who is just 4 months younger than the Liverpool skipper, his long term England future is in his own doubts, stating that “It’s something [he is] going to have to sit down and think about after the Euros this summer.”
However, with Parker there are no signs of slowing and in fact he is improving with age. As well as the midfielder holding Redknapp in as high a regard in which the manager does him, describing him as “inspirational,” Parker provides the level-headed organiser that a young England team needs. At 31, he has the experience and the understanding necessary to provide an authoritative presence in a youthful side and with Joe Hart set to be the long-term successor to any potential captain for this summer, Parker would have suitable support in the form of the popular shot stopper for help with such burdens the position commands.
Irrelevant of Stuart Pearce’s performance against Holland and irrelevant of whoever captains the Three Lions, it has to be Scott Parker and Harry Redknapp to lead England out this summer.
Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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