Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been named captain for England's friendly international against France in Paris.

The 29-year-old stopper takes over from Steven Gerrard, who skippered the side during Fabio Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland last month.

John Terry - captain under previous coach Steve McClaren - had been tipped to take the armband back having missed the Switzerland game through injury, but despite his inclusion in the squad this time round, the Chelsea man was overlooked.

Capello has expressed his intention to share the armband around his senior players before deciding on a long-term captain to lead the side into their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Former England captain David Beckham - like Terry returning to the squad for Wednesday's match - had also been rumoured to be in line to lead out the side at the Stade de France.

Ferdinand, who has skippered United several times, received an eight-month ban four years ago for failing to attend a drugs test, missing England's Euro 2004 campaign in Portugal as a result.

But that particular indiscretion now appears to have been forgotten and the appointment represents a huge turnaround for the player.

An FA statement read: "Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will captain England against France tomorrow night in Paris.

"Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games."

Eurosport