Roy Hodgson is set to name Joe Hart as England’s temporary captain in the absence of Wayne Rooney for Friday night’s friendly against Spain at the Estadio José Rico Pérez in Alicante.

Hodgson’s decision to leave Rooney on the bench for the game against the European champions has left him needing someone to wear the armband and the England manager believes Hart should take the honour on the basis he has played more international games than anyone else in the team.

Hart is preparing to win his 56th cap and the Manchester City goalkeeper is now expected to lead out England for the first of four demanding friendlies, with France to visit Wembley on Tuesday and then March assignments against Germany and Holland.

Rooney will return against France and take over again as captain on a night when Hodgson intends to continue experimenting with his team, possibly meaning another appearance for Stoke City’s Jack Butland in goal.