Ferdinand: I'll get armband back

Published Sep. 9, 2010 9:58 a.m. ET

foxsports

Rio Ferdinand expects to retain the England captaincy despite calls for Steven Gerrard to keep the armband on a permanent basis.

Gerrard has impressed as skipper for England's opening two Euro 2012 qualifying wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland, leading to calls for the Liverpool man to be handed the captain's armband permanently.

England coach Fabio Capello has cast doubt on Ferdinand's position as captain by revealing he is not bothered who skippers the side.

"For me the performance of the player is important, not the armband," said Capello. "It is not a priority for me. The armband is not important."

However Ferdinand, who is close to returning to action after a knee injury which ruled him out of the World Cup, is certain he will be back as captain for the next qualifier against Montenegro next month if he is fit.

Asked if he was concerned about the captaincy being returned, Ferdinand told The Sun: "I think Capello said that a while ago.

"I think he answered it the last time the squad were together."