LIVERPOOL, Aug 8: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is backing Steven Gerrard to succeed David Beckham as England captain ahead of new national boss Steve McClaren's announcement expected later this week.

McClaren is due to choose between front runners Gerrard and Chelsea defender John Terry when he unveils his first squad since taking over from Sven-Goran Eriksson on Friday.

The England manager spent Monday at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, meeting Benitez and watching the club's English players train for this Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa.

“Steve and me talked about the future for England, the team, it was a good conversation between two friends about football,” Benitez said. What was interesting was that he had a clear idea, a plan, and he knows what he wants to do. He is clever and knows how to handle this.”—AFP