I'll lead England to Euro 2012, says Rio Ferdinand

Leader: Rio Ferdinand with Wayne Rooney
11 April 2012

Rio Ferdinand insisted today that he is the right man to help take England's rebuilt team all the way to glory at Euro 2012.

Ferdinand regains the captaincy of his country from Steven Gerrard in tonight's Group G qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley.

The 31-year-old Manchester United defender is back in the England team for the first time since sustaining the knee injury that ruled him out of the whole of this summer's World Cup.

Youngsters Joe Hart, Adam Johnson and Ashley Young are all likely to start with Ferdinand as coach Fabio Capello looks forward to the tournament in the Ukraine and Poland.

Ferdinand, who has won 78 caps since making his international debut in a friendly against Cameroon in November 1997, knows he has a responsibility to help the new crop settle in.

"Regardless of being captain, your experience is always there," said the centre-back. "Sometimes the young players don't need to be spoken to. They just look and watch, which is what I did when I first broke into the squad.

"I liked to learn from what other players were doing rather than asking them questions but some players will ask for help and advice and I will always be there to pass on what I have learned when they do.

"I've come back to a fresh squad with some fresh faces and it's been interesting to train alongside a player like Jack Wilshere, who is 13 years younger than I am. It makes me feel a bit older but it's great to see players like that here. It's created a good atmosphere."

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