Jay Spearing insists Steven Gerrard is the prime candidate for the England captaincy – and believes the No.8 can be as influential in leading his country as he is Liverpool.

The Three Lions will appoint a new skipper ahead of Euro 2012 and having worked alongside Gerrard on a daily basis since graduating to Melwood in 2007, Spearing is in no doubt who he believes should be handed the armband.

Spearing told Liverpoolfc.tv: "His career shows why he should be (England captain).

"He's captained this club for a long time now and he's proven week in, week out, year upon year what sort of standards he expects himself to be at.

"He scores goals, he's influential and he's an idol to a lot of English lads."

He added: "He's one who is there to help you either when you're playing or training, but he's also one who'll give you a good shouting at if he thinks you need it, and that's something I think a captain needs.

"He's stepped up and scored a lot of great goals for this club when needed, and also for his country, so I don't see why he shouldn't be."

Spearing made his 40^th appearance for Liverpool's first team against Manchester United on Saturday and has enjoyed regular senior action under Kenny Dalglish.

And the 23-year-old feels the influence Gerrard has had on his development cannot be understated.

Spearing said: "He's helped me massively from the moment I came down (to Melwood). I've been here for quite a while now, but even now if he thinks there is something I can improve on or if there's something he thinks I can do before games we play together, he'll tell me.

"If I do something wrong he's not afraid to tell me. I was scared to say anything to him a couple of years ago, but I've come to the stage now where we can have a full conversation and if I disagree with something we'll speak about it.

"He was my idol when I was growing up, so now that I can play alongside him is brilliant."