London, Mar 15 : England boss Fabio Capello has confirmed that John Terry will regain the captain’s armband even though his assistant assured Rio Ferdinand on Sunday that he would keep the job on his return from injury.

Capello broke the news to journalists without Ferdinand knowing anything about it.

“I will go up to Manchester to see Rio and find out about his fitness. I will then explain the situation. I also have to speak with John Terry and the other players,” The Sun quoted Capello, as saying.

Asked whether he thought it would be a difficult meeting with Ferdinand, he said: “Why? He is still a very important player to us. I will explain what has happened and why I feel the way I do.”

“It’s not that I don’t think he is a good captain. In fact, I think that both he and Steven Gerrard have done a great job. Sure, I will understand if he is not happy. But as manager I have to make difficult decisions,” Capello added.

The shock announcement came just 24 hours after Capello’s assistant Franco Baldini made a personal phone call to Ferdinand, assuring him he would keep the captaincy if fit.

Ferdinand had texted Baldini asking for clarification of his position after reports Terry, 30, could be getting his job.

Baldini assured the centre-back it had been a misunderstanding.

However, Capello now believes England require more of Terry’s bulldog spirit and ability to rally the team on the pitch. (ANI)