Prince William spoke to the squad yesterday via video-link to offer them best wishes ahead of the tournament. England are still coming to terms with the loss of captain Rio Ferdinand to a knee injury that has proved too painful to allow him to fly home. Yet optimism among Fabio Capello's squad is still high and Gerrard assured Prince William, the FA president, that England are ready shrug off the enormous setback and do themselves justice. "We're very disappointed about Rio but by the time that first game comes around I'm sure the team will be fit and ready to win," said Gerrard. "We are really excited. We have been given a super training camp at which to prepare. The guys are working hard to make sure they are fit and ready." Capello also told Prince William that Gerrard would be Ferdinand's replacement as skipper, with the Liverpool star admitting he had mixed feelings about the situation given his joy has come at the central defender's expense. "It's fantastic for me to be able lead the country in the World Cup," said Gerrard. "But obviously I'd rather that Rio was here fit and available so it's mixed emotions at the minute."
