Capello's 'difficult decision'

After announcing that John Terry would captain his England team, and Rio Ferdinand would be the vice-captain - Fabio Capello admitted it was a difficult choice to make between two excellent candidates for the job.

John Terry was the England captain before Capello took charge as England Manager, but after giving Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham and also Terry the opportunity to lead the team in friendly games the decision on the permanent skipper was left until prior to the friendly with Czech Republic.

"It was not easy for me to choose because they are very good players,'' said Capello.

"But the captain is very important because he is the driver of the team. Rio is very important but I chose John because of his big personality."

After eight months of preparation for Capello, his coaching staff and his players, the competitive games are now almost upon us with Andorra and Croatia the first opponents in World Cup qualifying Group Six.

"I think the season just starts for us, for the national team it's a very important season.

"We have to work and play every game like a final."