Beckham insists Man United defender Ferdinand will be a top England captain

Published: 17 Feb 2010 - 10:56:08

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Beckham insists Man United defender Ferdinand will be a top England captain

Captain my captain: Rio Ferdinand in action at the San Siro David Beckham believes Rio Ferdinand has all the qualities required to be a top England captain. Ferdinand skippered Manchester United to victory over AC Milan in the San Siro, his first appearance since John Terry was sacked from the job he loved by Fabio Capello. Capello will now elevate Ferdinand to the job, although he has notspoken to the defender yet and the former West Ham star cannot beentirely certain he will become skipper until England meet up ahead oftheir friendly clash with Egypt at Wembley on March 3. But as someone who did the job with such distinction for five years, Beckham has no doubt Ferdinand will be a success. 'Rio is a great captain,' he said. 'He has proved he has been agreat captain when he has captained Manchester United in the past. Heis a leader.' Exactly seven days after that England game, Beckhamand his team-mates must try and find a way back into their ChampionsLeague last-16 tie after losing 3-2 to United on Tuesday night. Although Clarence Seedorf's late goal has given Milan some hope, in truth they will have to win by two clear goals at Old Trafford, something that seems highly unlikely with Wayne Rooney in his present form. Battle: David Beckham challenges Darren Fletcher at the San Siro Rooney took his tally for the season to 25 with a pair of second-half headers last night, the first reminiscent of the Lionel Messi effort that condemned United to defeat against Barcelona in last year's final. 'He is on fire,' said Beckham. 'I have always said he was one of the best goalscorers in the world and he is proving it week in and week out. 'If you give him chances he'll score goals, that's the way he is and the way his mind works.' Fletcher proud to be part of first Man United team to beat AC Milan in ItalyAC Milan 2 Manchester United 3: Wayne Rooney looks a world-beater as striker puts United in command after lucky Paul Scholes strike wrong-foots MilanHeadmaster! Towering Rooney is Manchester United's hero in San SiroVIDEO: Ferguson on Man United's thrilling first-leg victory over AC MilanMANCHESTER UNITED FC NEWS FRM ACROSS THE NET