Capello confirms Ferdinand as England captain
Fabio Capello has confirmed Rio Ferdinand as England captain following the Manchester United defender's return from injury.
Ferdinand, who will partner Joleon Lescott in central defence for Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, replaced John Terry as skipper earlier this year.
But, after Ferdinand was sidelined through injury this summer, Steven Gerrard took on the role at the World Cup and again led the Three Lions in the opening Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
The Liverpool star was widely tipped to hang on to the armband after England collected a maximum six points from those two games.
But Capello has decided to hand the honour of leading his country back to Ferdinand for Tuesday night's crunch clash at Wembley.
Capello said: "I spoke with Steven yesterday evening and explained why Rio will be captain against Montenegro. He understood everything - he knows the rules. I have also told the players that Rio would be captain.
"I decided when I started as England manager who will be the captain and the vice-captain. The players understand why Rio is the captain, and after him Steve Gerrard, and after Gerrard another one.
"When I spoke with Steven I told him, 'you were a fantastic captain and you have to play like a captain tomorrow."'
Capello is confident Ferdinand's knee problems are behind him, adding: "I have monitored him - he is fit completely. Also I watched the game against Valencia. I think now he's 100% fit.
"There is no problem about Rio's injuries. He's really good when he plays.
"He's really important for the other players, he speaks a lot during the game. It's really important for me, I prefer this kind of player on the pitch."
The Italian did not feel the need to call up another central defender following Terry's withdrawal, adding: "I've worked with the back four and I have big confidence in these players. The ones who are here are good at the moment.
"Hopefully we will play in the same style as we did against Switzerland."