I AM quite surprised that Steven Gerrard has announced his retirement from international football (Echo, July 22), especially as he only needed one more cap to equal David Beckham’s 115 appearances for his country.

The midfield powerhouse has not had the best of times on the pitch recently, but I think that he should have stayed on for at least another year to help us qualify for the Euros in France. When I look at the England squad that went to Brazil, I do not see many leaders, so I would make Wayne Rooney or even Joe Hart the new captain, as they are experienced players who have the respect of the younger members of the team.

Gerrard has been one of the alltime English greats and it’s a shame he did not beat Beckham’s record, as he is a great player and only one of a few that actually played for the England shirt. The days of Shilton, Moore, Butcher, Robson, Keegan and Lineker are long gone, but Stevie G can rest assured that his name is up there with these legends.

Thankfully with Ross Barkley, we have an adequate, young replacement to step into Gerrard’s midfield role. But that decision, like the captaincy, lies with that curious fellow Roy Hodgson.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington