Chelsea’s Terry set to regain England armband

England manager Fabio Capello is set to restore John Terry as captain for this month’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales amid doubts over Rio Ferdinand’s fitness.

Capello was set to meet Ferdinand at Old Trafford yesterday to discuss his plans for the captaincy ahead of England’s match against Wales in Cardiff on March 26.

British press reported at the weekend that Capello had taken the decision to replace Ferdinand with Terry, with some reports indicating that the Chelsea star may regain the armband on a permanent basis.

Terry was stripped of the captaincy last year after lurid tabloid revelations about his relationship with the ex-girlfriend of England squad member Wayne Bridge.

At the time, Capello said Terry would never don the England armband again but the Italian has softened his stance in the face of a mounting injury crisis that means Ferdinand and vice-captain Steven Gerrard are both unavailable for the must-win Wales game.

Capello told reporters he was also unhappy at events during England’s friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen last month, when the armband was passed around between three players. Although Capello does not plan to confirm his captain until the eve of the Wales game, the England manager has signalled his intention to reinstate Terry.

He told reporters he plans to receive a briefing from Ferdinand about the Manchester United star’s fitness before making a decision.

“First of all I want to know what happened with Rio’s back and when he will be fit because he is a really important player for us,” said Capello.

“After that I will explain what I am going to do in the next week, if I will decide on a new captain or about John Terry or something else.

“I will explain what happened in Denmark and what I think. I would understand if he is not happy. But I am the manager. I have to take decisions.”

“I don’t want to pass the captain’s armband around,” added Capello.

“After one year of punishment, it was not the best moment for John Terry to see this. For that reason I need to make a decision – and it will be a permanent decision, not just one game.”