Terry named England captain

John Terry has retained the England captaincy with manager Fabio Capello preferring to keep faith with the Chelsea defender over Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand.

Terry, 27, had been the skipper during the Steve McClaren era after David Beckham quit following the 2006 World Cup, but his position had been in doubt when Capello took charge.

“I think everybody realises it means the world to me, to retain the armband,” said Terry.

“To get the armband back is a huge achievement for me.

“It was about an hour ago, just after training. The manager called the whole squad together and told us as a whole.

“For me to get it above the likes of him (Ferdinand) and the other players in the squad is a great honour.”

Terry said he was a little surprised when Capello selected him ahead of Ferdinand, who was named vice-captain.

Terry said: “I'd never given up on the armband and never will do.

“I'd heard the whispers Rio got the armband so I was a little bit shocked, but I've got to make the most of it.”

Terry added: “My target now is to qualify for the World Cup and that's the aim going forward.”

Capello said Terry's “big personality” was the deciding factor.

“Rio, when he was captain, played very well – the same level as John,” he said. “It was not easy for me to choose because they are very good players.

“The big personality of John was the reason I chose John, but Rio is very important to the team.”

The Chelsea skipper, who has won 44 England caps, begins his second stint as captain in Wednesday's friendly against the Czech Republic at Wembley.

The World Cup qualifiers begin in September with ties against Andorra and Croatia.