Capello names Rio as Captain

RIO FERDINAND has been named skipper for England's clash with France tomorrow.

The Manchester United star takes over the armband from Steven Gerrard, who led his country against Switzerland last month.

Capello is trialling potential captains after John Terry skippered the Three Lions in their dismal Euro 2008 campaign.

Terry remains one of the favourites to take England into their World Cup qualifying campaign in September but Ferdinand, 29, will be tested in Paris.

An FA statement read: "Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will captain England against France tomorrow night in Paris.

"Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games."

It used to be a position of standing that every child longed to hold..... now this manager is allowing every man n his dog to wear what we hold so dear to us and making it a joke position.

I have heard Gareth Barry is next in line to become the joke captain.

I heard that Barry was next. Strange to considered some one who really shouldn't be a starter.

I am not sure what Capello is doing with this rotating Captains. Can't really see how it can help build a cohesive unit. Just pick his captain and stick to it.

According to the Times, there have been strong indications that the 29-year-old is winning his battle to persuade Fabio Capello to appoint him as England captain ahead of John Terry and Steven Gerrard.

It is understood that Ferdinand is clear favourite to be appointed to the role on a permanent basis at the start of next season, having impressed Capello more than any other player over the four months since the Italian's appointment.