Israel Saria
Eurosport –
John Terry has retained the England captaincy on a permanent basis after Fabio Capello chose the Chelsea defender to lead the national side ahead of Rio Ferdinand.
Terry, 27, was given the job he held under former coach Steve McClaren and will lead the team out against Czech Republic in Wednesday’s friendly at Wembley when he wins his 45th cap.
Manchester United stopper Ferdinand was named vice-captain.
“It means the world to me to retain the armband,” said Terry who was told the news by Capello after England’s training session on Tuesday morning.
“To get the armband back is a huge achievement for me.
“It was about an hour ago, just after training. The manager called the whole squad together and told us as a whole.
“For me to get it above the likes of him (Ferdinand) and the other players in the squad is a great honour.”
Capello said: “John’s big personality is why I chose him but Rio is also important for the team which is why I made him vice-captain.”
“Rio, when he was captain, played very well – the same level as John,” he added. “It was not easy for me to choose because they are very good players.”
The decision came as a surprise after Ferdinand, who along with Terry, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard has already skippered England under Capello, was installed as favourite to be given the honour.
But Terry – also his club’s captain – was given the armband and will now be charged with leading England to qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
England kick-off their qualification campaign against Andorra on 6 September.
Terry made his England debut as a substitute in a friendly against Serbia & Montenegro in June 2003, establishing himself in the side the following season.
He has scored four goals for his country, including England’s first at the rebuilt Wembley Stadium against Brazil in June last year.
Follow LIVE commentary of the game at Wembley right here on eurosport.yahoo.com from 20:00 BST on Wednesday!
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