May 29, 2013 12:43 PM EDT
England vs Republic of Ireland Live Stream: Watch Free Online International Friendly From Wembley

Ashley Cole will skipper England as Roy Hodgson's men take on the Republic of Ireland in a friendly at Wembley.

Cole will be making his 102nd appearance for England against Ireland as part of FA's 150th anniversary celebrations, and Hodgson believes the left-back deserves the honor after passing the magical 100 mark.

"Everyone is behind Ashley in this matter," Hodgson said. "We talked about it in the past, his reluctance to play the captain's role in front of the mass media, and we all understand and accept that, but everyone thought it would be nice if he put the armband on and led the team out.

"Frank (Lampard) was more than happy to pass on that honour because we all believe he deserves it. He has been a fantastic servant not only to Chelsea and Arsenal but England as well."

The focus will also be on Wayne Rooney, who faces a grim future with Manchester United after losing his No.1 striker status to Robin Van Persie this season.

"I can't comment on club football and his status within his club, but I can talk about him as he is when he joins up with me, and how he behaves in our get-togethers, and I find his desire as strong if not stronger than when we first met," Hodgson said.

"I have nothing but the greatest faith in him. I know he'll be really desperate to get out and show what a good player he is.

"But of course good players can have bad games, and bad players can have good games. It's not an exact science -- and wanting it doesn't necessarily mean you are going to get it.

"But my faith in Wayne Rooney has been very strong from the very beginning and it has never wavered. I suppose that's the best answer to the question."

Daniel Sturridge is likely to get the nod up front in place of Danny Welbeck, who is a major doubt for the game.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni revealed his starting XI, with the likes of Robbie Keane, Shane Long and Jonathan Walters set for a start.

To watch England vs Republic of Ireland Live Stream for U.K. viewers, click here.

Expected lineups: England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Cole; Walcott, Carrick, Lampard, Milner; Sturridge, Rooney.

Republic of Ireland: Forde; Coleman, O'Shea, St Ledger, Kelly; Walters, McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady; Keane, Long.

Prediction: 2-1 to England

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