Rio named England captain

United star handed role for France test

Last updated: 25th March 2008

Ferdinand Rio

Ferdinand: Handed England captaincy

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Rio Ferdinand has been named as England captain for Wednesday's clash with France in Paris.

The Manchester United star will lead out England at Stade de France as Fabio Capello continues his policy of rotating the captaincy.

The Italian is keen to rotate the captain's armband between players before naming his full-time captain for the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign.

Steven Gerrard was named captain for Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland in the absence of the injured John Terry.

Terry was expected to be named skipper against France after returning to the squad following injury, but Capello has decided to go with Ferdinand.

An FA statement read: "Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will captain England against France tomorrow night in Paris.

"Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games."

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