I didn't want Freddie to captain because I was wanting him to be the all-conquering all-rounder but I think he's got to do it David Gower on Flintoff

Former England captain David Gower says Andrew Flintoff should resume as skipper of the side as soon as he is fit to play for his country again.

Flintoff led England in the Test series in India and at home against Sri Lanka.

But an injury meant he was replaced by Andrew Strauss, who commanded the side in a calamitous 5-0 defeat in the one-day series against Sri Lanka.

Gower said: "I've got a feeling the captain should be Freddie (Flintoff) when he's fit again."

England's selectors are expected to make a captaincy announcement in the next few days but Flintoff is doubtful for the first of four Tests against Pakistan, starting at Lord's on 13 July.

Michael Vaughan, appointed captain in 2003, is still officially England's leader but he has been unable to take part in any international cricket this year because of persistent knee problems.

He needs a fourth operation and will probably be out until next year.

Marcus Trescothick had served as his deputy until he pulled out of the India tour citing burnout, with the job passing to Flintoff.

The big Lancastrian led by example as England confounded their critics by winning the final Test in Mumbai (Bombay) to claim a share of the spoils against India.

But he struggled to make as much of an impact in the home Tests against Sri Lanka, a series that was also drawn.

It's been a nightmare... Nothing's gone his way and everything he's tried has backfired Marcus Trescothick on Andrew Strauss' captaincy

Gower, speaking on Five Live's Sportsweek, said: "I didn't want Freddie to captain because I was wanting him to be the all-conquering all-rounder but I think he's got to do it.

"You want to be able to stamp your authority to get the most out of captaincy.

"Michael Vaughan earned that respect very quickly.

"He established a regime that worked alongside (coach) Duncan Fletcher and he's had a very strong influence on English cricket over the last few years.

"The tricky thing for Andrew Strauss is that when you are the stand-in for the stand-in you are not quite sure of your authority.

"Until someone says 'you've got the job, do it our own way' you're holding back almost imperceptibly."

Meanwhile, Trescothick, himself still a candidate for the role, has thrown his support behind Strauss.

He said: "I think he's done a decent job. It's a really tough situation that he is in.

"It's been a nightmare. Nothing's gone his way and everything he's tried has backfired. I've kept telling him don't take it personally.