Among a collection of experienced players, Frank Lampard is another with some persuasive arguments, but it is not be a long-term appointment.

Scott Parker, picked to lead the team by Stuart Pearce for the friendly against Holland in February, is the alternative.

Parker, who is still struggling with injury, is expected to be in the squad named by Hodgson, but his form dipped alarmingly in the final third of the season.

There are no concerns about Hart’s performances, winning the Barclays Golden Glove for the second successive season after keeping the most clean sheets.

That is a measure of his progress, conceding just 29 goals during City’s march to their first league title in 44 years.

He has all the qualities required of a captain, a fine ambassador for his club and a permanent fixture in the national side.

He grown in stature this season, continuing to improve as City chased down Manchester United to win their first Barclays Premier League title.

Already, at the age of 25, Hart has established himself as one of the giants of the game.

He is comfortably England’s best goalkeeper and is already challenging Iker Casillas and Germany’s Manuel Neuer for the distinction of being ranked the best in Europe.

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