Ferdinand to take over armband

Posted Saturday, February 06, 2010 by PA

Rio Ferdinand will succeed John Terry as England captain and will lead the national side in the World Cup this summer, it can be revealed.

The Manchester United defender had been Capello's vice-captain and will take over the skipper's armband following Terry's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's former partner.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will become vice-captain, and Capello said: "When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision."

For Ferdinand, the promotion completes a remarkable rise in his international career.

In 2003, Ferdinand was banned for eight months for missing a drugs test and missed Euro 2004 - ironically being replaced by Terry in the England team for the tournament.

Ferdinand made his England debut as far back as 1997 against Cameroon when, at 19, he was the youngest defender to have been capped. He went on to play in the 2002 World Cup - where he was named in the team of the tournament - and in 2006.

The 31-year-old from Peckham in London has been plagued by a back problem for the last 18 months but has recently returned to the United side after a three-month lay-off and so far the injury has not returned.

Ferdinand previously described it as "an honour" to have captained England in Capello's second game in charge, against France in March 2008.

Ferdinand said then: "As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead your country out and I've been given that honour of being able to fulfil those dreams."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last season described him as "now the best centre-half in the world by far".