Last updated 13:04, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

AT 6ft 6in, Steve Borthwick has always had a head for heights, writes Amanda Little.

Now the England master lineout tactician has risen further than he could have ever dreamed by being handed the captaincy by new supremo Martin Johnson.

It’s a smart move by Johnson, who once scrummaged alongside the Carlisle-born lock in England’s second row.

I’ve always firmly believed that Borthwick was England’s captain-in-waiting, and he deserves this crowning moment.

Borthwick revelled in the responsibility when he did the job as a one-off against Italy in February when Phil Vickery withdrew due to illness on the morning of the match.

He underlined his leadership capabilities, and showed he is undaunted by the burden of responsibility by managing to inspire an victory to lift the gloom of a miserable RBS 6 Nations campaign.

Borthwick led by example as the physical battle with Italy was always going to be won up front.

Johnson has chosen a captain in his own image – strong-minded, ambitious and inspirational.

Borthwick is the safe pair of hands England needs right now, and he is also hugely respected by his team-mates who need a big character to lead them into a new era.

The timing of his appointment is perfect.

At 28, the powerhouse is at the peak of his powers and his ability is starting to shine through.

He is the perfect embodiment of a successful captain away from the field of play. Articulate, well spoken and an outstanding role model, it is a role tailor-made for him.

He showed his leadership credentials at a young age by captaining Bath to both the Powergen Cup and the Heineken Cup semi-finals two years ago.

Borthwick takes over the captaincy for next month's two-Test tour to New Zealand – and he’s just the kind of player to lead England to glory.