VIDEO: Rio's just Fab for Capello
by Julian Bennetts
Tuesday, 12 October, 2010
Manager confirms Rio Ferdinand as skipper against Montenegro.
Click here to see video of the press conference.
England Manager Fabio Capello insists Rio Ferdinand is fully fit and is the perfect man to be captain for Tuesday night's European Championship qualifier against Montenegro.
There was speculation that Capello would give Steven Gerrard the armband on a permanent basis after the Liverpool midfielder excelled in the role while Ferdinand was sidelined through injury.
But Capello believes Ferdinand is the ideal leader for the Three Lions and is adamant that Gerrard will lead by example as England bid to maintain their perfect record in qualification.
"Rio is completely fit, and there is no problem with injuries," said Capello. "He is really good when he plays, he plays like a leader.
"He is important for the other players, and he speaks during the game - this is important for me. I prefer this kind of player on the pitch."
Capello also maintained that there was no problem with Garrard either, as the midfielder accepted his role as vice-captain all along.
"It's the rules," he added.
“I spoke with Steven and told him he was a fantastic captain and I asked him to play tomorrow like he a captain.
“The spirit is very important and he has to be a leader on the pitch."
England have also been hit by injuries in the defensive department, with Phil Jagielka first to withdraw on Friday evening before he was joined by John Terry on the sidelines on Sunday.
With the game just over 24 hours away though, Capello has chosen not to draft in any more players and is still happy with his lot.
“It’s too late now," he claimed.
“I have every confidence in the players. Lescott played very well against Switzerland and Rio is fit and a fantastic player.
“The players that are here are in a good moment."
And Capello, who announced that Darren Bent has been ruled out of the game with an abductor problem, believes his squad is fully prepared for the test against Montengro, who have won their first three games in qualification.
"I think it has been really nice to see the players during training, as they have been training very well," he added. "I am really happy with the players. The atmosphere is fantastic, really, really good."