England v Montenegro: FABIO CAPELLO has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will captain England whenever he is available, starting tonight against Montenegro.
The Manchester United centre half is intent on re-establishing himself in the squad, moreover, and will lead the team at Wembley in his first international appearance since he damaged knee ligaments before last summer’s World Cup.
The 31-year-old said he is relieved just to be in the squad, having made only four appearances for United – and only one of them in the Premier League – this season. He has also lost the United captaincy to his fellow centre-back Nemanja Vidic, a decision which reflects Alex Ferguson’s doubts over his long-term availability.
Capello’s faith is therefore doubly welcome. “I was relieved to be included in the squad and now I’ve got to build up my stock and go from there,” Ferdinand said. “I’m not stupid. I’ve been injured and have been out for a while so I have to prove myself again.”
Capello only addressed the captaincy issue directly on Sunday evening, when he informed the Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, who impressed with his maturity off the pitch and his energy and drive on it in England’s three wins so far this season, that Ferdinand would resume the captaincy.
The defender learned of his reinstatement yesterday morning, before a training session at Wembley in which the Sunderland striker Darren Bent sustained a groin injury that has disrupted Capello’s preparations for tonight’s match.
The loss of Bent will necessitate the Tottenham striker Peter Crouch’s inclusion and a switch in the team’s attacking approach. Ferdinand’s reinstatement was more straightforward. “My rules are my rules,” said Capello. “The players know I have a captain, Rio, and a vice-captain, Steven Gerrard. I never change my rules. Rio is back, so he is captain.”
Ferdinand, who has played in only 44 of 105 United games since late 2008, woke yesterday to suggestions from the former Liverpool and Scotland centre-half Alan Hansen he should consider retiring from international football. Ferdinand asked: “But how many times did he play for Scotland? You can’t retire from England. Well, I can’t . . . I actually love playing for England. To stop would take a big chunk out of my footballing life.
“People have criticised me, too, for my business interests outside football, but I’m putting more time in on the training ground now than I’ve ever done. If people came to Carrington and saw me and the regime I’m on, they’d re-evaluate what they’re saying.”
Capello has had an uncomfortable week, with Bent following John Terry, Aaron Lennon and Phil Jagielka in withdrawing from the squad. While the Italian has no concerns over Wayne Rooney despite his recent ankle problems – “He is in a better moment now than he was when we played against the Swiss,” Capello said – Bent’s withdrawal creates a problem. Crouch has scored 21 goals in 40 matches for England but is now fourth choice.
“For us, we must think now about the style of play because that is completely different when you play with Crouch to when you play with (Jermain) Defoe or Bent,” said Capello.
“Those two players are about movement going forward. Crouch prefers to receive the ball and doesn’t have a lot of pace. But we can play different styles. The movement of the other players will be very important. The wingers will have to cross the ball accurately, dribble and attack the space.”
Guardian Service
The Lowdown
England v Montenegro
Tonight, kick-off – 8pm
Wembley Stadium
Live on UTV & Setanta Ireland
