Fabio Capello has reappointed Rio Ferdinand as England captain, while Steven Gerrard has been demoted to the position of vice-captain.
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard has been acting captain ever since the World Cup, as a result of Rio Ferdinand’s injuries.
The Manchester United man has returned to fitness, however, and as such reclaims his England captaincy.
“I didn’t know if I was going to be captain or not – I was more concerned about being in the squad and being fit… it’s been a fair road back,” the31-year-old said at a press conference.
“It’s a great honour to be named England captain and it’s great to be playing again. To come back now and be named captain is fantastic but Steven has done a fantastic job.
“The manager is always analysing you physically and mentally and you’ve got to perform. He has seen me as the right person and I’m delighted with that – but if it had gone the other way I would have shaken Steven’s hand and said ‘good luck to you’ – that’s the way it is.
“We’ve got a number of leaders in this squad – and the more there are the better we will be as a team.
“Steven and Wazza [Wayne Rooney] have worn the armband before so we’ve got players with experience who know their way around the pitch.”
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