Gerrard is one of the favourites for the England captaincy

Beckham stood down after the World Cup in Germany and Gerrard is one of the leading candidates to take the armband.

He said: "Obviously I'd love to captain the country. There is no better feeling than leading the country out but that's up to Steve McClaren.

"It's his decision and there are a lot of candidates out there that would do a fantastic job as well as myself."

England enter a new era with McClaren replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson as coach of the national side and a new captain on the way.

Gerrard and Chelsea skipper John Terry are thought to be the two frontrunners for the armband.

It's great that David is still going to be involved. He's a great team-mate and a great player Steven Gerrard

Reds skipper Gerrard added: "It is the kind of thing every player dreams about. But I am not the kind of player to talk about it and try and get it that way.

"If it comes my way then great. If not, whoever gets the job will have my full support."

Gerrard admitted he was shocked by Beckham's decision to quit the role after England's quarter-final exit.

He said: "It surprised me but whether he was right or not we'll have to wait and see.

"But it's great that David is still going to be involved on the football side. He's a great team-mate and a great player.

"But Steve McClaren has got to pick a new captain and hope he can do the same job as David, who I think did a fantastic job."