England lose Bent, Rio is captain

11 October 2010 12:25
Darren Bent is out of England's Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Montenegro on Tuesday night, when Rio Ferdinand will again captain the side.[LNB] Sunderland striker Bent has been forced to pull out of Fabio Capello's squad after suffering a groin injury in training on Monday.[LNB]That means Peter Crouch is almost certain to start up front alongside Wayne Rooney in the crucial Group G clash at Wembley (kick-off 8pm).[LNB]Capello told a press conference televised by Sky Sports News: "Darren Bent is out - I think we will play Peter Crouch."[LNB]Central defenders John Terry (back) and Phil Jagielka (hamstring) have already withdrawn from the squad because of injury, although Ferdinand is back in the side - and will regain the captain's armband from Steven Gerrard.[LNB]Capello continued: "I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.[LNB]"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 Steven Gerrard, and after Gerrard another one.[LNB]"When I spoke with Steven, I told him, 'you were a fantastic captain and you have to play like a captain tomorrow."'[LNB]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.[LNB]"There is no problem about Rio's injuries. He's really good when he plays.[LNB]"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."[LNB]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.[LNB]"Hopefully we will play in the same style as we did against Switzerland."

Source: Team_Talk