Roy Hodgson has revealed that Ashley Cole will lead out and captain England in the friendly international against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Wednesday night.
Chelsea left-back Cole will be making his 102nd appearance for his country and has been given the honour to commemorate receiving his 100th England cap in a game that is part of the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations.
Hodgson initially said Cole would lead the team out before passing on captaincy duties to Frank Lampard, but then later clarified that the defender would retain the armband.
Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck is a major doubt due to a knee injury but Hodgson hopes he may be fit in time to face Brazil in Rio on Sunday.
Hodgson also hinted that Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge is likely to replace Welbeck up front and make his full England debut.
Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker has already been forced to withdraw from the squad after suffering a fibula injury.
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced his team to face England and, as expected, Robbie Keane starts.
The 32-year-old striker plays after his club Los Angeles Galaxy gave him permission to link up with the Irish squad, although he only flew into London on Tuesday morning.
Trapattoni is without defender Marc Wilson (calf), striker Kevin Doyle (Achilles), winger Anthony Pilkington (knee) and midfielder Paul Green (hamstring) who are all ruled out.
Reading's Stephen Kelly will start at left-back, and Jon Walters will line up on the right side of midfield with Spartak Moscow's Aiden McGeady on the left.
Ireland team: Forde, Coleman, O'Shea, St Ledger, Kelly, Walters, McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady, Keane (capt), Long.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who made 36 appearances last season, has been with the Cumbrians since September 2006.
"Paul is extremely well respected in the dressing room and is a fantastic role model for any young player to look up to," Abbott told the News & Star.
"He plays a vital role in the team and in the squad and we are delighted that he will be staying with us next season. The players listen to him and he leads by example with the job he does once he crosses the white line."
