Ferdinand confirmed as England captain

Rio Ferdinand has been confirmed as England's captain for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro at Wembley tomorrow.

The Manchester United defender was named as Fabio Capello's skipper after John Terry was sacked following allegations about his private life.

The 31-year-old Ferdinand has worn the armband for only two of the 10 subsequent internationals because of injury problems.

He missed the World Cup campaign with knee ligament damage sustained during England's first training session in South Africa.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has worn the armband in Ferdinand's absence and earned praise from Capello for the way he has handled the role.

But the Italian has reverted to his original appointment with Ferdinand leading out the side for the first time since the friendly international with Japan in Graz in late May.

Ferdinand's last competitive appearance for his country was in the World Cup qualifier with Belarus at Wembley 12 months ago.

His involvement will be invaluable given the absence of Terry with a back injury and Phil Jagielka who is suffering from a hamstring problem.

Capello said: "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.'"