Fortune favours new England skipper Ferdinand
Reuters - Friday 05 February 2010, 21:48
LONDON - John Terry's sacking as England
skipper on Friday opened the door for a significant turnaround
in fortune for Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand who will
take over the captain's armband.
When Ferdinand missed a doping test in 2003 it cost him an
eight-month ban from football, ruled him out of Euro 2004 and
cast a cloud over the career of one of England's most talented
defenders even though there was no suggestion he had taken
drugs.
He also missed the 1998 World Cup finals after being left
out by then manager Glenn Hoddle following a drink-driving
charge.
Ferdinand, 31, has ridden himself of his bad-boy image in
recent years but there are still doubts over his suitability as
England captain as he has been hampered by back injuries and
only recently returned after being sidelined since October.
No sooner had the former West Ham United and Leeds United
defender come back than he was involved in more controversy,
getting a three-match ban for striking Hull City's Craig Fagan.
Ferdinand appealed against the charge of violent conduct and
the suspension was subsequently increased to four games.
England coach Fabio Capello named Ferdinand vice-captain
when he handed the skipper's armband to Terry in August 2008.
EGYPT FRIENDLY
"When I chose John Terry as captain I also selected a
vice-captain and also named a third choice (Steven Gerrard),"
Capello said on Friday. "There is no reason to change this
decision."
Providing he is fit Ferdinand will lead the team out for the
friendly at home to Egypt next month and will have the honour of
captaining his country at the World Cup in South Africa in June.
"As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead
your country out and I've been given that honour of being able
to fulfil those dreams," Ferdinand said when he captained the
side against France in Capello's second game in charge.
After the tabloid frenzy of the past week regarding Terry's
extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of England team
mate Wayne Bridge, England will be hoping Ferdinand can smooth
over any potential dressing room tension.
"John Terry is by far for me the best skipper in the team
but Fabio Capello thinks it's best for the squad," former
Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Parlour told the BBC.
"Rio Ferdinand will do a great job. If you're going to win
the World Cup you don't just need one skipper, you need at least
four or five around the pitch."
NEWS: Terry stripped of England captaincy
NEWS: Wenger - Role of captain overplayed in England
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