England manager Fabio Capello has named Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand as captain for England's friendly international against France in Paris, and confirmed that David Beckham will be awarded his 100th cap.

Beckham - who now plays his football in the United States for LA Galaxy - won his 99th cap in the 3-2 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to Croatia, but was overlooked by Capello when the Italian named his first England squad for the friendly with Switzerland last month.

Capello cited Beckham's lack of match fitness as the reason for his exclusion on that occasion, but the former Manchester United midfielder has recently completed pre-season training for the Galaxy.

The England coach would not confirm whether or not the former skipper would start the game against France, but he told a press conference: "He will play [some part]; I could not possibly make him come from the USA and not play him.

"I know David Beckham and what he can give me and I think he can make the difference in some respects. I know what he can give to a team.

"As for the future, we will have to see. Nobody knows what the future holds."

Capello added: "I think every player would like to reach this target [100 caps] but very few manage it so you have to give David Beckham credit, he has done really well to achieve this.

"I've managed him previously and he's always been a very good professional.

"Only people who are so professional can last and be at the top for so long."

On the prospect of Beckham prolonging his career, Capello said: "The David Beckham I know can certainly last and get to 2010 if he carries on training and working hard."

29-year-old centre-half Ferdinand takes over the captaincy from Steven Gerrard, who skippered the side during the game against Switzerland.

Former England captain Beckham 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.

On Ferdinand, Capello said: "From what I've seen in six days he has worked with me personally, and the games I have watched him play, Rio Ferdinand is a very good professional and as I said previously, I will rotate captains until we get to the World Cup qualifiers because I want to see various players and see who is best."

Capello revealed that he will select at least two more captains before settling on his permanent skipper for the World Cup qualifiers, which begin with a game against Andorra in September.

Previous captain John Terry had been tipped to regain the armband after missing the friendly against Switzerland through injury.

And Capello revealed he had not explained his choice to the Chelsea captain, saying: "No, I'm not expected to explain my choices to anyone. I made my own choices based on reasoning and on facts."

Tom Williams / Eurosport