Cappello Names Rio as England Captain

TeKnIcIaN · **Cappello Names Rio as England Captain -** 03-25-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Ferdinand to lead England in Paris

England coach Fabio Capello has appointed Rio Ferdinand as captain for Wednesday's friendly international with France in Paris.

The Manchester United defender takes over from Steven Gerrard, who led the side out in Capello's first match in charge against Switzerland at Wembley last month.

John Terry, who had been appointed as skipper by previous head coach Steve McClaren, is back in the squad against the French after missing the 2-1 win over Switzerland through injury.

But Capello is maintaining his policy of looking at other potential leaders within his squad before deciding on a permanent appointment for the World Cup qualifiers, which get under way in September.

It represents a major turnaround for Ferdinand, who only four years ago received an eight-month ban from the Football Association after failing to attend a drugs test at United's Carrington training ground.

That resulted in him missing the European Championship finals in Portugal.
But Capello has given the clearest indication that will not count against the former West Ham and Leeds player, who has already publicly stated his desire to lead his country.

An FA statement read: 'Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will captain England against France tomorrow night in Paris.

'Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games.'

The Italian will hold a press conference on Tuesday night in Paris, with Ferdinand also available to the media.

ESPN Soccernet Source

**ZEUS** · 03-25-2008, 04:50 PM

That's great news. I hope Rio will play well, considering his last injury, though he looked pretty confident in the match against Loserpool. If he does that, Rio might be appointed as the permanent captain, which is an honor for any English player. Well done Rio!

moley · 03-25-2008, 11:31 PM

Fantastic, fully deserves the chance imo has been the best defender in the prem this season.

**funkdoctorspock** · 03-25-2008, 11:36 PM

I have very, very happy that Rio has been bestowed this honour for England.

In my opinion one of the top three defenders in the world and has been putting in excellent performances on a consistent basis for the past two campaigns.

His leadership qualities with United will definitely rub off on the English players and they'll be better for it.

Here's hoping that England does well tomorrow.

P.S. if Rio decides to give the armband to Beckham to honour him for getting his 100th cap, I'll be pissed. Rio, you fully deserve it!!!

Nani17 · 03-25-2008, 11:46 PM

im so proud of him haha,

man with great power, comes big responsability !

ViSh23 · 03-25-2008, 11:57 PM

Thats a good thing for Rio.. He do have that experience and will surely use it in the game..

simpsom · 03-26-2008, 10:06 AM

its good that he given a chance
hopefully at the end he would be the real captain

Busby Boy · 10:55 PM

I was pleased to see Rio get the armband, he played well tonight...

TeKnIcIaN · 03-27-2008, 05:15 AM

Please don't post match spoilers in threads that aren't labelled "spoilers"

Some people read the forums before they have a chance to watch the game.

Busby Boy · 03-27-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeKnIcIaN

Please don't post match spoilers in threads that aren't labelled "spoilers"

Some people read the forums before they have a chance to watch the game.

Ok, no problem..sorry i genuinely didn't realise.