Joe Hart plays down England captaincy chances

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has claimed that he is not one of the top candidates to take over the England captaincy.

John Terry was stripped of the armband on Friday after he was charged for making alleged racist comments towards Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand. He denies the charges.

"I'm flattered to be linked with it, but I think anyone who's having a consistent run in the England side is being linked with it," said Hart. "There are a lot stronger candidates than myself.

"There's a long way to go. I've got a really important season with games for Manchester City and hopefully a couple for England coming up. That's all I'm concentrating on just now."

Liverpool skipper Steve Gerrard is thought to be among the favourites to be named the new captain.