England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Rio handed England armband

26 Mar 2008 - 16:13:39

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will captain England in the friendly international against France on Wednesday evening.

Chelsea skipper John Terry had been expected to be given the nod by head coach Fabio Capello, but the Italian has opted to hand the honour to 29-year-old Ferdinand instead.

Capello is thought to be evaluating several options for the captaincy, with a permanent appointment expected before England start their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard led the side for Capello's first game in charge, a 2-1 victory over Switzerland at Wembley.

Terry, who was the regular captain under Steve McClaren, had earlier told BBC Sport: "I am very nervous about joining up with the squad and certainly don't expect to be captain.

"I wish to continue as England captain and fingers crossed I can do that, but if not I will respect Mr Capello's decision."

Ferdinand has won 65 caps for England to date, having made his debut in November 1997 against Cameroon.