Rio Ferdinand is the new England captain after Fabio Capello stripped John Terry of the honour following allegations about his private life.
Terry met with Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini at Wembley on Friday following allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge - also a former club-mate at Chelsea - and the Italian decided the Chelsea skipper could not go on as England's leader.
Ferdinand, as vice-captain, now takes on the captain's armband but has experienced some desperate times in the game too, not least when he was banned for eight months for missing a drugs test and missed Euro 2004 as a result.
Now the 31-year-old knows, fitness permitting, he will lead England into their World Cup opener against the United States in Rustenburg on June 12 and, should they progress that far, the final in Johannesburg on July 11.
For almost his entire career, Ferdinand has been compared to another West Ham idol, Bobby Moore, now he has the chance to follow him into immortality.
"When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice," said Capello last night.
"There is no reason to change this decision."
If champagne corks were popping in the Ferdinand household, Terry must have been in a lonely place.
Summoned to Wembley by Capello to explain himself following the lurid headlines which were unleashed once the "super-injunction" covering his private life was lifted just over a week ago, Terry's meeting with his boss lasted less than 15 minutes.
There was not enough time for niceties. Capello's trusted assistant Baldini had taken all the appropriate soundings. The decision had been made.
"As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour," said Capello.
"However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad.
"After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.
"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice and John Terry was notified first."
The final line was a clear reference to Terry's one-time Chelsea team-mate Bridge, who has been left shattered by stories of an affair between his former friend and ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel.
It is believed Bridge was contacted by a senior figure within the England camp and informed of the decision.
Although Terry is likely to be considered for England's friendly against Egypt on March 3, Capello hopes the action he has taken is enough to persuade Bridge to remain within the national set-up and maintain the harmony that has been built up so much since the Italian took over a shellshocked squad following their failure to reach Euro 2008.
Terry is already playing his part, insisting he will "continue to give everything for England".
For Capello that will mean keeping his name off the front pages, although there are fears more negativity is looming for the player tomorrow, by which time England's coach will be in Warsaw for the Euro 2012 qualifying draw.
