Steven Gerrard retires: Former England skipper ready and willing to help Roy Hodgson pick his next captain if the Three Lions manager comes calling

Gerrard announced his retirement from international football after a 14 years career with England

Steven Gerrard has admitted he would be willing to help Roy Hodgson pick out the next England captain if he seeked his advice (Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard would be happy to help Roy Hodgson choose his next England captain.

Fourteen years after his England debut, Gerrard retired from international duty on Monday, claiming his 34-year-old body could not cope with another season of toil for both club and country.

Gerrard may have had an indifferent World Cup, but his retirement leaves a gaping hole for England on two levels.

Firstly, England have lost one of their most driven and talented midfielders, and they are also without an inspirational captain.

Should the England manager need any assistance in appointing his new captain, then Gerrard is available to give it to him.

"I'm here for advice on the next England captain," Gerrard said.

"I'm sure Roy will give it to the right person and I hope they show it the same respect that I have."

With 95 caps to his name, Wayne Rooney is the obvious candidate to replace Gerrard.

The England striker has skippered the Three Lions on two occasions and he would jump at the chance to do the job on a full-time basis.

Former England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson thinks Rooney would be a good choice.

"He has been a captain for United and England. He knows what it is all about," said Robson, who played 90 times for England.

"Wayne has proved he is our best player. He leads by example. He works really hard for the team.

"No matter what position the coach wants him to play, Wayne wants you to do the job. That is a good sign for a captain. If it was Wayne I would have no doubts about him being captain."

Gerrard cited Liverpool's return to the Champions League as the main factor behind his retirement.

"Obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field," said the midfielder who, with 114 caps, is only behind goalkeeper Peter Shilton (124) and David Beckham (115).

"To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision."

Gerrard's accidental flick-on to Luis Suarez in Sao Paulo proved to be a killer blow for England's World Cup chances.

The 2-1 defeat to Uruguay meant England were eliminated from the tournament after just two matches.

Yet despite the poor showing in Brazil, Gerrard thinks England have a bright future under Hodgson.

"I'm sure Roy will help make the England supporters proud again," Gerrard said.

"He's a fantastic manager and I'm glad The FA have stuck with him."

Gerrard made his debut in a friendly against Ukraine at the old Wembley on 31 May 2000. England won 2-0 (Getty Images)

Gerrard, who has been given an ambassadorial role with the Football Association (FA), has started taking his coaching badges, but he is unsure whether he wants to go into coaching or management when he hangs his boots up for good.

Gary Neville made the transition from player to England coach a year after he retired from the game and there could be scope for Gerrard to do the same.

"My relationship with The FA will continue moving forward and I'm sure over the next 20, 30, 40 years, I will work for England again," Gerrard added.