Steven Gerrard will captain England against Switzerland after Fabio Capello handed the Liverpool midfielder the skipper's armband for Wednesday's friendly.

Gerrard leads the side at Wembley in the absence of injured defender John Terry who was the regular captain under former manager Steve McClaren.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Italian said on the appointment: "I have done it because I think he is an important player for England.

"Steven Gerrard is important for everyone within the team. He can transmit and pass on things and inspire other players."

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and Newcastle striker Michael Owen were also believed to be in the frame for the captaincy, but Capello opted for Gerrard, who already has some experience of wearing the armband during the Sven-Goran Eriksson era.

But, with England not playing a competitive game until later this year, Capello was quick to point out that the appointment was only a temporary one.

"He's not a permanent captain and there will not be a permanent captain before the Andorra game [England's first World Cup qualifier on September 6]."

Capello also confirmed that he will not reveal the starting XI to his squad until they leave the hotel for the stadium on Wednesday.

But he was less willing to talk about his omission of David Beckham who, for the time being at least, has been denied the chance to win his 100th cap. Capello preferred instead to concentrate on the players he had selected.

He said: "I respect him greatly for all things we did together at Real Madrid.

"But at the moment the most important thing is talking about the players who will play on Wednesday - not the ones who are not here."

Mike Hytner / Eurosport