Hargreaves backing for Ferdinand

Midfielder backs club colleague for international captaincy

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 26th May 2008

Hargreaves Owen France v England

Hargreaves: Ferdinand support

Rio Ferdinand has been the most consistent player in England. He had a tremendous season and would be a fantastic captain.

Owen Hargreaves
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Owen Hargreaves has given Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand his backing to become the long-term England captain.

England are preparing for Wednesday's friendly with USA at Wembley and the meeting with Trinidad & Tobago on 1st June as manager Fabio Capello continues to examine the players at his disposal.

Following his appointment in January, Capello announced that he was set to rotate his captains before selecting a permanent on-field leader for the beginning of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in September.

However, Hargreaves believes that Capello should stick with Ferdinand - who led England in their last friendly outing against France - after the defender helped skipper United to a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double in the absence of injured club captain Gary Neville.

"There are a lot of individuals who could possibly be captain," Hargreaves told a press conference live on Sky Sports News.

Fantastic

"Rio has been the most consistent player in England. He had a tremendous season and epitomised everything we did. He would be a fantastic captain.

"There are other options with Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and David Beckham. There are so many options and that is a decision the manager will make."

Meanwhile, Hargreaves has described the appointment of Capello as a 'breath of fresh air', but admits players are still finding their feet under the Italian.

"Everyone's getting to know each other really but he carries the aura of a big coach - similar to the boss at Manchester United (Sir Alex Ferguson)," added Hargreaves.

"I think he does things his own way and players respect that. Everyone's ready to do their best for him.

"You look forward to a change after a disappointing campaign - it's a breath of fresh air."