Rio ruled out of World Cup

Friday, 04 June, 2010

Knee injury forces the England captain out of South Africa.

England Captain Rio Ferdinand today suffered a left-knee ligament injury in training.

Further to a scan arranged by the England medical staff immediately after training on Friday afternoon, Rio has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks and will therefore unfortunately miss the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur's Michael Dawson has been contacted today and will fly to South Africa on Friday evening.

Steven Gerrard will lead the England team as captain in the tournament.

England Manager Fabio Capello said: "It is obviously bad news and everyone with the squad is very disappointed and sorry for Rio.

"It was an accidental injury in training, but had nothing to do with the pitch."

What Do You Think?

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I knew something like this would happen, it's typical how when we actually have a good chance at doing something right and succeeding, someone or something has to go wrong. I was expecting a striker to fall injured, but it's still a injury we could do with out. Lets all hope dawson can turn up when needed for the nation.By Its Just Me (34 months ago)
Rio's injury personally, i think is a blessing in disguise. i would much rather see Carragher play in his place. for Liverpool he has played EVERY defensive position Required of him and did it perfectly and professionally to the extent you would never know it wasnt his 'natural' position.By Jazzy (34 months ago)
Rio should never have been captain neway for me its gerrard all the way!! :-)By Gmac (34 months ago)
WHAT A SHAME, SO SORRY FOR RIO AND ENGLAND, BUT HOPEFULLY WE CAN STILL GET OUR HEADS DOWN AND DO WELL. GERRARD AS CAPTAIN GETS MY VOTE. BRING IT ON I SAY!!By AmboClaire (34 months ago)