England head coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that the fit-again Rio Ferdinand will captain his side in the European Championship qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on Tuesday evening.
The 31-year-old Manchester United defender has not featured for his country since May, having missed the World Cup finals in South Africa due to a knee injury sustained in training.
In his absence, Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has worn the captain's armband, but Capello has decided to return Ferdinand to the role.
The Red Devils stopper will partner either Gary Cahill or Joleon Lescott at the heart of the England defence, with both John Terry (back) and Phil Jagielka (hamstring) having been ruled out.
Sunderland's Darren Bent had been tipped to partner Wayne Rooney in attack as England seek to make it three wins out of three in qualifying, but he is now an absentee due to a groin problem.
However, Montenegro will pose a serious threat, as they are top of the group after winning their first three games, all 1-0, against Wales, Bulgaria and Switzerland.
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