Rio Ferdinand has backed the FA's 'Respect' for officials campaign and admitted players have a responsibility to act as role models.Ferdinand, who will lead England in Wednesday's friendly international with France in Paris, is aware football has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons in recent weeks.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole turned his back on referee Mike Riley in the clash with Tottenham and then Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano was sent off after berating Steve Bennett in the weekend clash with Manchester United.

New England coach Fabio Capello has let it be known he expects his players to show respect to officials and Ferdinand is aware of the need to set the right example to youngsters.

He said: "The gaffer (Capello) hasn't spoken to us about it (showing respect) but that is something we know he expects anyway. He carries himself in a very respectful manner and I am sure that is what he expects from his players.

"We in turn try to apply what he expects. We pull on the shirt of the England team and respect is a very big part of that,

"It (showing respect) is in the forefront of everyone's minds with what has been happening in recent weeks in the Premier League with players getting in the faces of officials.

"We are looked up to by the young children in society who love the game and people that love and watch the game so we've got to be role models.

"Kids look up to us and we've got to be able to show them the right way to do things."

Ferdinand admitted he is "living the dream" after being chosen by Capello to lead England in the Stade de France.

He said: "More than anything, I am honoured. It is a cliche but, when you are a young kid, to not only play for your country but to captain your country is at the forefront of your mind.

"It is a dream and I am able at the moment able to live out that dream.

"The captaincy is obviously a rotational system the manager is using at the moment so it is not set in stone.

"But to be thought of in these terms is fantastic - not only for myself but for my family as well and my club Manchester United."

Ferdinand had been congratulated by John Terry who had worn the armband during the Steve McClaren era but he is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "'JT' (Terry) said well done and I wouldn't expect anything less because he is a great lad and a great player.

"But, like I said, the captaincy is not set and stone. I'm going to be the captain this game. Steven Gerrard did it for the last game. Who knows who will do it the next game? It could be JT, who knows?"

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