Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been confirmed as England's captain by Fabio Capello.
The subject of who should be captain has been the subject of debate in recent weeks after Steven Gerrard captained England at the World Cup and the opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers in the absence of the injured Ferdinand.
There have been calls for Gerrard to keep the captain's armband after he impressed in the role, but Capello has decided to keep faith with Ferdinand.
Ferdinand was named England skipper after John Terry was sacked following allegations about his private life.
However, Ferdinand has only been able to lead out the team for two of the 10 subsequent internationals because of injury problems.
Ferdinand's last competitive appearance for his country was in the World Cup qualifier with Belarus at Wembley 12 months ago, but he will take the armband for Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.
Capello admitted it was always his long-term thinking to have Ferdinand as his captain.
"I spoke with Steven yesterday evening and explained why Rio will be captain against Montenegro," said Capello.
"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."'
100 % fit
Capello is confident Ferdinand's injury problems are behind him.
"I have monitored him - he is fit completely," added Capello. "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."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12016_6438799,00.html Pretty baffling decision, considering how much better England seem to play with Gerrard at centre-stage
