Euro 2012 Betting: Gerrard closing in on captain's armband

After Stuart Pearce had decided Parker was the man to lead England out at Wembley, the Spurs midfielder traded at just 1.341/3 to get the job for this summer's Euros. If Parker was a shoe in then, he is anything but now.

Parker has to contend with competition from Steven Gerrard who was arguably the obvious choice immediately after John Terry had been stripped of the armband. At the time, Liverpool's skipper was as short as 1.42/5 but subsequently drifted to 6.05/1 after Parker's temporary appointment.

In the wake of an injury-plagued 18 months, Gerrard has been fighting fit since the turn of the year and is beginning to reap the rewards. Even in the midst of turmoil at Anfield, Gerrard somehow manages to escape unscathed and a hat-trick against Everton will have done his chances no harm whatever.

As it stands, Gerrard is 2.588/5 to captain England against France on June 11. Parker meanwhile remains slight favourite at 2.47/5 but is perhaps suffering, albeit by association, from Spurs' untimely dip in form. Spurs have won just one of their previous six league fixtures, as they struggle to cling on to fourth spot.

The speculation regarding the manager's position might also be to blame for Parker's decline. While Gerrard is every bit a household name, Parker has not long returned to the international fold and may well be dependent on the appointment of Harry Redknapp. Even he isn't certain to appoint him.

Though Redknapp is still out in front at 1.645/8, his stuttering Spurs team are not making his transition any easier. Momentum is all important with the Euros in such close proximity and England will hardly want Redknapp to take charge having just seen his side miss out on Champions League football. A strong finish to the season could yet prove pivotal for both Parker and Redknapp.

Elsewhere, don't discount Joe Hart, who is third favourite at 11.521/2. The 24-year-old's stock continues to rise and in a starting 11 that remains largely undecided, Hart has the luxury of being one of very few players who can be sure of their place.