Ferdinand named England captain for Montenegro

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will mark his first competitive international appearance for 12 months by donning the captain's armband for England's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley.

The 31-year-old Ferdinand was appointed England skipper by coach Fabio Capello earlier this year after John Terry was sacked following allegations over his private life. But shortly before Ferdinand was due to lead his country to the World Cup finals in South Africa he suffered a knee injury in training and has been recovering ever since.

But he's now fit enough to take his place in the side and Capello had no qualms about reinstating Ferdinand as captain in place of Steven Gerrard. "He [Ferdinand] is really important for the other players, he speaks a lot during the game. It's really important for me, I prefer this kind of player on the pitch," said Capello, adding: "I spoke with Steven on Sunday evening and explained why Rio will be captain against Montenegro. He understood everything. I decided when I started as England manager who will be the captain and the vice-captain. When I spoke with Steven I told him, 'you were a fantastic captain and you have to play like a captain on Tuesday'."

And Capello expressed his confidence in Ferdinand's fitness despite the fact the veteran defender has played only four games for Manchester United since returning from his lengthy lay-off. "I have monitored him - he is fit completely. Also I watched the [Champions League] game against Valencia. I think now he's 100% fit."

The clean bill of health for Ferdinand is one positive for Capello in what has been another frustrating build-up to an international match. John Terry pulled out on Sunday with a back injury while Sunderland striker Darren Bent cried off yesterday after suffering a groin injury in training. With midfielder Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon and centre-back Phil Jagielka also crocked, Capello's options have been restricted and it's expected that he will pair Ferdinand with Manchester City's Joleon Lescott in central defence.

Wayne Rooney is deemed fit to start, though that news won't light up the faces of England fans the way it once did. The Manchester United striker has been horribly out of form this season, though he did score for England last month in their 3-1 defeat of Switzerland, and it's believed Rooney will be joined in attack by Tottenham's Peter Crouch.

England's have never before played Montenegro, though the visitors will be well briefed on their hosts as the son of their Croatian coach, Zlatko Kranjcar, is the same Niko Kranjcar who plays in the midfield for Spurs. Currently top of Group G having beaten Wales, Bulgaria and Switzerland, Montenegro have yet to concede a goal and Rio Ferdinand knows England will have to take the chances that come their way if they're to secure the victory that would make it three wins from three.

"It will be a hard game and we've got to make sure we bring our 'A' game because they've started very well in the group," said Ferdinand, who also described his elation at being back in the England squad. "I didn't know if I was going to be captain or not. I was more concerned about being in the squad and being fit. The manager is always analysing you physically and mentally and you've got to perform. He has seen me as the right person and I'm delighted with that." ·