Smiles better: Gerrard thrilled to get the armband back

'This manager has come in and done that. It's very nice and good for my confidence and belief as well.'

Gerrard is adamant he will relish the extra responsibility of being Hodgson's on-the-field lieutenant.

He said: 'You've got to relish it. I'm sitting here as England captain. It's fantastic. It's something I've always dreamed of.

'When the manager phoned me and told me I was over the moon. I have to relish it and not take it as a pressure.

'I'm an experienced player, I've been in this set-up for a long time, so I feel as if I'm big enough to handle this responsibility.'

Gerrard has seldom operated in his preferred attacking role behind the strikers with England, but refuses to use that as an excuse for not always being at his best.

He said: 'I'm not going to make excuses for some of the poor performances in an England shirt.

'Every time I've been picked, I've had the chance to go out and perform well.

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