Hodgson bemused by Capello captaincy decision

Gerrard captained England in Ferdinand's absense (REUTERS)

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson admits Fabio Capello's decision to take the England captaincy from Steven Gerrard left him puzzled.

The national team boss gave the armband back to Rio Ferdinand for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro after he returned from a long injury lay-off which saw him miss the World Cup and subsequent games.

It was a decision Hodgson did not agree with.

"I was disappointed to see that he had the England captaincy taken away from him - I've got to be honest and say I don't really understand that decision," said the 63-year-old.

"As much as Rio (Ferdinand) is a great player as well, I think if you have been out for a long time through injury and you're making your first England appearance for a long, long time, someone who actually had the captaincy for three games and had done brilliantly deserves to keep it."

Hodgson added on liverpoolfc.tv: "I haven't spoken to Steven about the subject but I just hope he is not too disappointed about it.

"At the moment, in his form and with his ability and desire to take responsibility, he plays a true captain's innings for us and I think he did it for England in the three games before [Tuesday night]."