Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is the 8/11 favourite to lead England out in their Euro 2012 opener with France this summer after the FA stripped John Terry of the armband for the second time.

FA chairman David Bernstein broke the news to the 31-year-old in a phone call on Friday morning and a statement released later insisted Terry would not lead the side again “until the allegations against him are resolved”.

The Chelsea stopper is due to stand trial in July over allegations of racial abuse towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand last October. That gave rise to fears the trial could overshadow England’s preparations for Euro 2012 in June and the FA have acted swiftly to try and minimise any impact the controversy may have on the squad.

It is the second time Terry has lost the England armband after Fabio Capello stripped him of the captaincy in February 2010 over allegations he had an affair with a team-mate’s girlfriend.

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker (9/2), Chelsea’s Frank Lampard (8/2) and Manchester City duo Gareth Barry (10/1) and Joe Hart (10/1) are also believed to be in the running to replace Terry for England’s first Group D clash with Laurent Blanc’s men on June 11 .

“FA chairman David Bernstein has spoken to both John Terry and Fabio Capello to explain the facts to them,”read the FA statement.

“Fabio Capello has not been involved in the FA Board discussions which reached this conclusion, but understands that the FA Board has authority to make this decision.

“Fabio Capello will take the decision as to who will be made captain moving forward.

“This decision in no way infers any suggestion of guilt in relation to the charge made against John Terry. The FA will be not be making any further comment on this matter.”