Rio to fulfil a dream
Ferdinand delight at getting armband
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 25th March 2008
Ferdinand: England captain on Wednesday
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Rio Ferdinand has admitted he will be fulfilling a life-long dream when he leads out England at the Stade de France on Wednesday evening.
Ferdinand has been named as captain by Fabio Capello for the match against France in Paris - an encounter that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.
The appointment of the Manchester United defender is not a permanent one as Capello is living up to his promise of rotating the armband until the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Steven Gerrard led out England in Capello's first match in charge against Switzerland, but he has now turned to Ferdinand ahead of former captain John Terry.
Honour
Ferdinand admits he is looking forward to the opportunity to lead out the Three Lions.
"It is a fantastic honour and an achievement in itself to be named England captain," he told Sky Sports News.
"As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and to lead your country and I now have been given the honour to fulfil these dreams, so definitely I am very happy."
Ferdinand has led United a number of times this season in the absence of Gary Neville and is confident he can fulfil the role for England.
"I have done it for Man United in the past, I lead by example and if something needs to be said I am not afraid to say it, it is just a matter of going out there and doing what I do for Manchester United and bring it up to the stage," he said, also insisting there are no issues with Terry - who had been tipped to regain the armband.
"He said well done, and I wouldn't expect anything else from JT - there will be no animosity between the players, we are all mature enough and professional enough to go by what the manger says. Steven Gerrard was captain last game, I am this time and if the manager wanted someone else next time then we will see," Ferdinand explained.
No Terry issues
He also insisted that Terry would not be taking on a different role for England, even if he is not captain.
"It is not like that, if JT has to say something - he needs to say it, and vice-versa if it changes next time," he said.
"You need to play as a leader whether your captain or not - it is important to have 11 guys who want to lead and want to lead on the pitch and have the balls to put their chest out and lead from the forefront."
The former Leeds and West Ham star admits he would like the job on a permanent basis and is hoping to show his credentials against France.
"I think the manager says he is not going to make his mind up until the qualifiers in September so I am under no illusions it is not set in stone, but this is wonderful honour and I will go out there and do what I do for Manchester United and if that is good enough for me to lead my country then great."
Ferdinand also took time to heap praise on team-mate David Beckham, who will become only the fifth English player to win 100 caps for his country against France.
"I think Becks just wants to get out and play, not many players get to play 100 times for his country and it is some going and he has never stopped working hard and he has been a great servant and fully deserves it," he continued.
"He is with some illustrious names and icons of the sport, Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore and the rest, but Becks is a world-wide name brand himself and he is worthy candidate and worthy person to be amongst that list."
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