England coach Fabio Capello has appointed Rio Ferdinand as captain for Wednesday evening´s friendly international with France in Paris.

The Manchester United defender takes over from Steven Gerrard, who led the side out in Capello´s first match in charge against Switzerland at Wembley last month.

John Terry, who had been appointed as skipper by previous head coach Steve McClaren, is back in the squad against the French after missing the 2-1 win over Switzerland through injury.