JOHN Bateman has played down his chances of him becoming the next England Rugby League captain and singled out his old Canberra skipper Josh Hodgson as the best man for the job.

The retirement of Sean O'Loughlin means England boss Shaun Wane will have to find a new leader ahead of the 2021 World Cup and he has already mentioned Bateman, along with Sam Tomkins, Jonny Lomax, George Williams and Paul McShane, as potential candidates.

"To be captain of your country would be one of greatest honours you could get in your career but it's absolutely ridiculous to be fair," the Bradford star said. "I've not sat and thought about it.

"I've played under some good captains in my time but, for me, the last two years I played over there with Josh Hodgson, he's one of the best.

"Him and Sean O'Loughlin are two of the best captains I've been under.

"With Lockers retiring now, you'd look at someone like Hodgy to lead the country forward for me because of the way he goes about his business on and off the field.

"He knows when to say the right things at the right time and the lads really get behind him."

Bateman, 27, now back in England and preparing to start his second stint with Wigan, could also be in line to succeed O'Loughlin as captain of the Warriors, but again he believes there are more suitable candidates.

"If you put that question to anyone in the team, they would say they'd be interested," he said.

"But you've got to look at some of the lads that are Wigan through and through, like Liam Farrell, Sam Powell and Tommy Leuluai.

"Liam Farrell for me is what Wigan are about, he's Wigan through and through.

"For me it's about playing my game and if it came around, I'd be more than happy to take it, but there's a number in the team I think are better suited and I'd be more than happy to be by their side."