During 2008, Fabio Capello awarded caps to 35 players in ten games as England won eight, drew one and lost one. Today we look at Rio Ferdinand who was named as England's vice captain in August.
Age 30
Date of Birth 07.11.78
Caps in 2008 8 Goals 1
Career Caps 72 Goals 3
Manchester United
2008 has certainly been a memorable year for Rio Ferdinand, both domestically and on the international front.
The centre back was an integral part of the Manchester United team that claimed their 10th Premier League title in May and he later captained the Red Devils to success in the European Cup Final in Moscow. He also captained United to the FIFA World Club Cup in Japan.
The 30-year-old made eight England appearances throughout the year and he captained his country on three occasions. Ahead of the friendly against Czech Republic in August, Ferdinand was named England’s vice captain behind John Terry.
Ferdinand featured in Fabio Capello’s first match as England Manager in February, a 2-1 win over Switzerland at Wembley. Before naming his permanent skipper, Capello’s approach of rotating the captaincy between players during the friendly matches presented Ferdinand with the armband ahead of the friendly against France in Paris.
Although this ended in defeat for The Three Lions, Capello was impressed with Ferdinand’s leadership qualities.
He also captained his country in two World Cup Qualifiers, the 5-1 win over Kazakhstan – where he headed home the opening goal – and the most recent 3-1 victory over Belarus.
Quotes
"As a kid, it is something you dream of doing, leading England out and I've been given the honour to fulfil those dreams.” Rio Ferdinand
“Rio is very important to the team… when [he] was captain in a friendly he played very well.” Fabio Capello
"It's a very special day for myself and my family. It is a very proud moment to lead the team out in a World Cup Qualifier, and to get a goal as well was even better.” Rio Ferdinand