John Terry stripped of England captaincy

John Terry was stripped of the England captaincy by coach Fabio Capello on Friday following a media storm over his private life, and will be replaced by Rio Ferdinand.

Capello told Terry of the decision in a brief meeting at Wembley Stadium, a week after the married Chelsea defender lost a High Court battle to ban publication of details of an alleged relationship with England teammate Wayne Bridge’s then-girlfriend.

“After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry,” Capello said in a statement. “As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour.

“However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.”

The 29-year-old Terry immediately pledged to carry on representing England with four months until the World Cup begins in South Africa.

“I fully respect Fabio Capello’s decision,” Terry said. “I will continue to give everything for England.”

Ferdinand, who was vice captain, will assume the captaincy despite concerns over the 31-year-old Manchester United centre back’s fitness. Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will step up from third choice to be vice captain.

“When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision,” Capello said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team.”

Ferdinand also has a blot on his character, missing the 2004 European Championship while serving an eight-month ban for failing to show up for a drugs test at United’s training ground.

The defender is currently serving a four-match ban after the FA found him guilty of elbowing Hull’s Craig Fagan. He has played only two matches since spending three months out with injuries.

England’s next match is a home friendly against Egypt on March 3.

Capello will be in Warsaw on Sunday for the qualifying draw for the 2012 European Championship.

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