Terry appointed new England captain

Chelsea skipper John Terry has been appointed as the new England captain, the Football Association said yesterday.

Terry takes over the armband after David Beckham stepped down from the role in the wake of England's World Cup quarter-final defeat on penalties by Portugal last month.

"It is the ultimate honour to be the captain of your country and I am very proud to be given this great opportunity," he said. "It is an incredible challenge and one I am looking forward to very much."

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who was also tipped for the job, has been appointed vice-captain.

Terry, 25 and capped 29 times, has helped Chelsea win two consecutive Premier League titles and established himself with England as a first-choice central defender.

England's new coach Steve McClaren told the FA's website: "Choosing a captain is one of the most important decisions a coach has to make.

"I'm certain I've got the right man in John Terry. I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had.

"John has all the attributes an international captain needs - leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best.

"He has been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his best in adversity."

England's next game is a friendly against European champions Greece in Manchester next Wednesday. Terry's first chance to captain his country in a competitive game comes on September 2 in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra at Old Trafford.