Ferdinand retains England armband

Rio Ferdinand will once again lead England out when they face Montenegro for the Euro 2012 qualifiers on Tuesday.

According to The Daily Mail, Fabio Capello has decided to keep faith in the Manchester United centre-back, who was out of action for five months since the knee injury that ruled him out of the World Cup in South Africa.
While this is good news for Ferdinand, Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard would be disappointed to be relinquishing the armband after an impressive spell of leading England out during Ferdinand's absence.
It is believed that Ferdinand has been desperate to impress upon Capello his desire to regain his captaincy ever since joining up with the squad on Thursday night.

Fabio Capello revealed to a press conference televised on Sky Sports News: "I spoke with Steven on Sunday 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.
"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 Steve Gerrard, and after Gerrard another one.
"When I spoke with Steven I told him, 'you were a fantastic captain and you have to play like a captain on Tuesday."\
Capello is also 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 per cent fit. There is no problem about Rio's injuries. He's really good when he plays.
"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."
Ferdinand himself admitted to having doubts as to whether he would regain the armband.
He explained: "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.
"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.
"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, especially in both European Championship qualifying games - we've won both games quite convincingly.
"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. If we can continue as we have started in this group we'll be on the right road."
The United defender captain claims missing the World Cup because of injury was "a disaster".
"The first 48 hours when I got the injury were the worst in terms of thinking of the consequences and analysing it. Missing the World Cup was a disaster for me but you've got to wipe yourself down and get on with it.
"I worked hard on rehabilitation and at the training ground at Manchester United. The staff have been fantastic helping me get to this point."
Ferdinand is hoping England's problems with injured central defenders does not continue.
He explained: "I'm pleased to be back and fit but there have been many injuries in this department.
"It's hard for the manager, not having the continuity, so fingers-crossed we are over that period, we can get people back to full fitness and the manager can have a full squad to pick from."
Ferdinand continued: "There are a few fresh faces - it's nice to train alongside Jack Wilshere and Adam Johnson, young hungry boys who are talented and trying to get in the team.
"It makes you feel a bit older but it's a good ambience and long may it continue."
Meanwhile, John Terry has dealt a blow to Capello's defensive plans after being ruled out with a back injury and has returned to his club Chelsea following assessment by the medical staff.
Phil Jagielka was expected to partner Terry in central-defence on Tuesday but the Everton defender has too been sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
On the fact that he is one of only three fit central defenders in Capello's squad, Ferdinand joked: "I think the manager will have someone sitting with us all afternoon and evening, making sure we don't get injured."
The defender knows all about Montenegro front man Mirko Vucinic, who has celebrated goals by removing his shorts and putting them on his head.
The 31-year-old said: "I know him from when we (Manchester United) have played Roma. You get booked for something like that in our country so it's not something we'll be following suit with,
"I knew they would be one of stand-out teams in the group. It will be a hard game and we've got to make sure we bring our 'A' game to make sure we put it to bed because they've started very well in the group."
The lack of defenders due to injuries has paved way for the anticipated return of Ferdinand, who is set to partner Joleon Lescott at the heart of England's defence against Montenegro at Wembley.

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