Capello gives the nod to Ferdinand
Source: Agencies |
February 7, 2010, Sunday
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JOHN Terry's sacking as England skipper on Friday opened the door for a significant turnaround in fortune for Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand who will take over the captain's armband.
When Ferdinand missed a doping test in 2003 it cost him an eight-month ban from football, ruled him out of Euro 2004 and cast a cloud over the career of one of England's most talented defenders even though there was no suggestion he had taken drugs.
He also missed the 1998 World Cup finals after being left out by then manager Glenn Hoddle following a drink-driving charge.
Ferdinand, 31, has ridden himself of his bad-boy image in recent years but there are still doubts over his suitability as England captain as he has been hampered by back injuries and only recently returned after being sidelined since October.
No sooner had the former West Ham United and Leeds United defender come back than he was involved in more controversy, getting a three-match ban for striking Hull City's Craig Fagan.
Ferdinand appealed against the charge of violent conduct and the suspension was subsequently raised to four games.
England coach Fabio Capello named Ferdinand vice-captain when he handed the skipper's armband to Terry in August 2008.
"When I chose John Terry as captain I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice (Steven Gerrard)," Capello said on Friday. "There is no reason to change this decision."
Providing he is fit Ferdinand will lead the team out for the friendly at home to Egypt next month and will have the honor of captaining his country at the World Cup in South Africa in June.
"As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead your country out and I've been given that honor of being able to fulfil those dreams," Ferdinand said when he captained the side against France in Capello's second game in charge.
After the tabloid frenzy of the past week regarding Terry's extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of England teammate Wayne Bridge, who was a club mate of his at Chelsea before joining Manchester City last year, England will be hoping Ferdinand can smooth over any potential dressing room tension.
"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice. John Terry was notified first," Capello said.
The 29-year-old Terry was given the captain's armband on a full-time basis by former England coach Steve McClaren in 2006 and former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach Capello opted to retain him in the role after he took over in 2008.
"I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision," Terry said in a statement. "I will continue to give everything for England."
In the 15 matches in which he wore the armband under Capello, England won 11 and drew two, qualifying easily for this year's World Cup in South Africa where it will be among the favorites to win the trophy.
When Ferdinand missed a doping test in 2003 it cost him an eight-month ban from football, ruled him out of Euro 2004 and cast a cloud over the career of one of England's most talented defenders even though there was no suggestion he had taken drugs.
He also missed the 1998 World Cup finals after being left out by then manager Glenn Hoddle following a drink-driving charge.
Ferdinand, 31, has ridden himself of his bad-boy image in recent years but there are still doubts over his suitability as England captain as he has been hampered by back injuries and only recently returned after being sidelined since October.
No sooner had the former West Ham United and Leeds United defender come back than he was involved in more controversy, getting a three-match ban for striking Hull City's Craig Fagan.
Ferdinand appealed against the charge of violent conduct and the suspension was subsequently raised to four games.
England coach Fabio Capello named Ferdinand vice-captain when he handed the skipper's armband to Terry in August 2008.
"When I chose John Terry as captain I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice (Steven Gerrard)," Capello said on Friday. "There is no reason to change this decision."
Providing he is fit Ferdinand will lead the team out for the friendly at home to Egypt next month and will have the honor of captaining his country at the World Cup in South Africa in June.
"As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead your country out and I've been given that honor of being able to fulfil those dreams," Ferdinand said when he captained the side against France in Capello's second game in charge.
After the tabloid frenzy of the past week regarding Terry's extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of England teammate Wayne Bridge, who was a club mate of his at Chelsea before joining Manchester City last year, England will be hoping Ferdinand can smooth over any potential dressing room tension.
"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice. John Terry was notified first," Capello said.
The 29-year-old Terry was given the captain's armband on a full-time basis by former England coach Steve McClaren in 2006 and former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach Capello opted to retain him in the role after he took over in 2008.
"I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision," Terry said in a statement. "I will continue to give everything for England."
In the 15 matches in which he wore the armband under Capello, England won 11 and drew two, qualifying easily for this year's World Cup in South Africa where it will be among the favorites to win the trophy.
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