Ferdinand named England captain
Rio Ferdinand has been capped 65 times for his country
France v England
Date: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Venue: Stade de France
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been named England captain for Wednesday's friendly with France in Paris.
Chelsea defender John Terry, captain under Steve McClaren, had been expected to skipper the side on Wednesday.
Steve Gerrard led England for manager Fabio Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland last month.
There was also speculation that David Beckham could captain the side if, as expected, he wins his 100th cap.
606: DEBATE
Is Ferdinand the right choice?
Although Capello has named Ferdinand, 29, to lead the side against France there is no suggestion that the Manchester United star will captain England throughout their forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
"Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will captain England against France in Paris," said an FA statement.
"Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games."
At the weekend previous skipper John Terry, 27, had said that despite being England captain under McClaren, he didn't expect to be given the nod by Capello.
Terry's role had been under the microscope following the incidents at White Hart Lane last week where the Chelsea captain came under criticism for his behaviour towards referee Mike Riley.
"I certainly don't expect to be captain but I 'm very hopeful I am," Terry told BBC Sport.
"I wish to continue to as England captain but I respect Mr Capello's decision."
Ferdinand was first capped for his country in 1997 against Cameroon and has represented England 65 times.
Couldn't happen to a nicer gimp.
Hope France stuff them to wipe the smirk off his face.
Rio Ferdinand has been capped 65 times for his country
France v England
Date: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Venue: Stade de France
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been named England captain for Wednesday's friendly with France in Paris.
Chelsea defender John Terry, captain under Steve McClaren, had been expected to skipper the side on Wednesday.
Steve Gerrard led England for manager Fabio Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland last month.
There was also speculation that David Beckham could captain the side if, as expected, he wins his 100th cap.
606: DEBATE
Is Ferdinand the right choice?
Although Capello has named Ferdinand, 29, to lead the side against France there is no suggestion that the Manchester United star will captain England throughout their forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
"Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will captain England against France in Paris," said an FA statement.
"Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games."
At the weekend previous skipper John Terry, 27, had said that despite being England captain under McClaren, he didn't expect to be given the nod by Capello.
Terry's role had been under the microscope following the incidents at White Hart Lane last week where the Chelsea captain came under criticism for his behaviour towards referee Mike Riley.
"I certainly don't expect to be captain but I 'm very hopeful I am," Terry told BBC Sport.
"I wish to continue to as England captain but I respect Mr Capello's decision."
Ferdinand was first capped for his country in 1997 against Cameroon and has represented England 65 times.
Couldn't happen to a nicer gimp.
Hope France stuff them to wipe the smirk off his face.
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