Terry will lead England against US footballers

John Terry has been restored as England captain for Wednesday's friendly against the United States at Wembley.

England coach Fabio Capello confirmed Terry will lead the team for the first time since the Italian took charge.

Rio Ferdinand captained England in their last match against France in Paris and Steven Gerrard skippered the side in Capello's first match with Switzerland when Terry was injured.

But Terry, who was captain under Steve McClaren, finally has the chance to earn the armband on a permanent basis ahead of next season's World Cup qualifiers.

It is a much-needed boost for Terry, whose missed penalty cost Chelsea the chance to win the Champions League against Manchester United last week.

“The captain is John Terry. I decided before the Champions League final. We have had Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and now John as captain,” Capello said.

“At this moment it is a good decision for John after a not nice experience on Wednesday.

“I told him he would be the captain and he was very happy. It is very important to be a leader and John is a leader.”