Source: FOOTYMAD
Lampard named vice-captain
Frank Lampard will be England's vice-captain during the World Cup, with Steven Gerrard now leading the side in Rio Ferdinand's absence. Frank Lampard will be England's vice-captain during the World Cup, with Steven Gerrard now leading the side in Rio Ferdinand's absence. Ferdinand was injured during England's first training session at their Rustenburg training ground in South Africa as they prepare for their opening group game against USA on June 12. "I am vice-captain I was told by the manager and [assistant] Franco Baldini and I am very proud of that," said Lampard. "Obviously I am very disappointed for Rio. He is a mate. But what can I do? I shall just try to give my input as a vice-captain." The appointment of Lampard as vice-captain suggests both he and Gerrard - often mooted unable to play together in midfield without a holding player - will be in coach Fabio Capello's first-choice XI. Ferdinand was injured during England's first training session at their Rustenburg training ground in South Africa as they prepare for their opening group game against USA on June 12. "I am vice-captain I was told by the manager and [assistant] Franco Baldini and I am very proud of that," said Lampard. "Obviously I am very disappointed for Rio. He is a mate. But what can I do? I shall just try to give my input as a vice-captain." The appointment of Lampard as vice-captain suggests both he and Gerrard - often mooted unable to play together in midfield without a holding player - will be in coach Fabio Capello's first-choice XI. Capello was not thought to have considered John Terry for the role. The Chelsea midfielder was England captain prior to Ferdinand, but had it taken away from him after revelations of an affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge - his former teammate both at Stamford Bridge and international level.
