Frank Lampard to captain England

Frank Lampard has been confirmed as the captain for England's friendly against the Republic of Ireland tomorrow.

However, the team will be guided onto the pitch by Lampard's Chelsea teammate Ashley Cole, who will be honoured with a special cap having recently made his 100th appearance for the Three Lions.

"Frank has always been the captain in Steven Gerrard's absence - I appointed him as the vice-captain when I started over a year ago," Hodgson told a press conference. "In actual fact tomorrow, Frank and I have discussed this and he is happy for Ashley to lead us onto the field in celebration of his 100th cap, but Frank still remains the captain of the team."

Lampard will make his 96th outing at senior international level against the Irish.