Stuart Pearce has given the England captain's armband to Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker for the friendly against Netherlands, according to ESPNsoccernet sources.

• Preview: England v Netherlands

Parker, 31, has impressed since moving to Spurs in the summer and was named the England Player of the Year, in an award voted for by fans. He is something of a surprise choice, though, as the returning Steven Gerrard had been expected to take charge of the side on the pitch ...

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