England boss Fabio Capello faces a major headache as he considers his options for a successor to John Terry as captain of the national team.

Capello's hand has been forced after the FA board decided to strip Terry of the captaincy pending the outcome of his trial in July on a charge of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand - a charge Terry denies.

Steven Gerrard is Capello's most likely choice but the Liverpool midfielder has not played for England since November 2010 and his injury problems have continued to dog him this season - in total he has missed the last nine internationals.

Rio Ferdinand, the official vice-captain, has ruled himself out of contention and of those remaining that would be certain of a place in the starting XI at Euro 2012, Wayne Rooney is suspended for the first two matches and Ashley Cole has said he does not want the armband.

That leaves Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, but he has never captained a team before.

Other options will depend on who is available for Capello.

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has forced his way into the international set-up but has only a handful of caps, Frank Lampard who has been England captain before but is by no means certain to start, and nor is City's Gareth Barry - especially if Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is fit.

Ferdinand was angered at his treatment by Capello when the captaincy was restored to Terry a year ago without the Manchester United defender being informed by Capello and he has insisted he does not want it again.

He told BBC's Football Focus: "Honestly - no. I have been England captain before for a brief period and it was taken away from me so I just want to concentrate on playing for Manchester United.

"If I am selected from the squad, then as usual I will be delighted.

"Being selected for your country is a great achievement and I always feel privileged to be selected so if that comes around again I will meet up happily and give it my 100 per cent as usual."

The FA board went over Capello's head to take the decision.

The England manager has always insisted he should have control of team matters including the captaincy but the FA board, led by chairman David Bernstein, decided they had to step in after confirmation that the trial will not take place until after Euro 2012.

Capello himself had stuck by his belief that Terry should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty and keep the armband.

It is the second time the Chelsea captain has been stripped of the England armband having also lost it two years ago after allegations surrounding his private life came to light.

Bernstein had spoken to all members of the 14-strong board yesterday about the issue and explained the decision to Terry and Capello over the phone on Friday morning.

The FA said in a statement: "The FA board expected the trial to be concluded prior to the European Championship. Further to Wednesday's confirmation that the trial will not take place until after the tournament, the board has discussed the matter in detail and has collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties that John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed at this time.

"This decision has been taken due to the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament.

"The FA board can confirm that he has not been excluded from the squad and that Fabio Capello is free to select him for the Holland fixture on 29 February and the European Championship."