Rooney 'right choice' to lead England and the 'ginger Pirlo'

As expected, Wayne Rooney has been unveiled as the new England football captain after Roy Hodgson announced his first squad since the World Cup.

The 22-man squad for the matches against Norway and Switzerland next month features four uncapped players: Arsenal teenager Calum Chambers, Newcastle's Jack Colback, Danny Rose of Spurs and Aston Villa's Fabian Delph.

There is also a recall for Spurs winger Andros Townsend and Everton's young defender Jon Stones is also called up.

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With veterans Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard having retired from internationals and several other players, including members of the World Cup squad, out injured the squad has a youthful look.

The new era kicks off with a friendly against Norway at Wembley next Wednesday, followed by England's opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Switzerland on 8 September.

Hodgson described Rooney, who has also taken over as Man United skipper, as the "obvious choice" for captain. "He deserves it for his commitment to the cause and experience... I've talked to him and he's prepared to take the pressures the captaincy brings and that's important."

Rooney described being made captain as "beyond my wildest dreams" and said he would ask Gerrard, England's previous leader, for advice.

Picking Rooney is the "right decision", says Henry Winter of the Daily Telegraph, although he notes there were few other alternatives.

What will follow, he says, is the "first significant inquisition of England's brief stay in Brazil". And there is plenty for Hodgson to get stuck into. "Among the issues needing addressing are defensive lapses, the poverty of concentration when opposing strikers like Mario Balotelli and Luis Suarez were lurking, tactics, leadership, responsibility-taking, technical competence, injuries bedevilling some of the younger players and hunger levels."

Of the new recruits, Colback is the only real surprise. The midfielder is known to Newcastle fans as the 'Ginger Pirlo', in tribute to the iconic Italian midfielder. "Let's hope that becomes true," said Hodgson as he announced the squad.